November 11, 2025
Workshop for Social Pedagogues and Psychologists in PetropavlovskA workshop for social pedagogues and school psychologists from the city of Petropavlovsk was held at the Sabit Mukanov Regional Universal Scientific Library. The event was organized by the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention under the leadership of Director Mamadiyar Baigulov and the Youth Resource Centre of Petropavlovsk headed by Director Damir Abdin.
Speakers included:
- Oksana Simukhina, Specialist, Regional Centre for HIV Prevention;
- Asiya Sharipova, Dermatovenerologist, Regional Centre for HIV Prevention;
- Damir Abdin, Director, Youth Resource Centre;
- Saniya Zhakan, Kyokushin Karate Trainer-Instructor, Silver Medalist of the World Championship, Champion of Europe and Kazakhstan;
- Gulnur Bekebayeva, Acting Director, Youth Health Centre;
- Natalia Kachalkina, Director, Psychological Support Centre;
- Anastasia Sviridova, Juvenile Affairs Inspector.
During the workshop, participants discussed HIV prevention among adolescents and young people, the importance of psychological resilience and a healthy lifestyle, as well as the role of sport in fostering a responsible attitude towards one’s health.
Kyokushin Karate trainer Saniya Zhakan emphasized that sports help young people develop not only physical strength and endurance but also inner discipline:
“When a child practices sports, they not only become more resilient but also learn to manage their emotions, set goals, and overcome challenges. These qualities help to avoid harmful behaviours and promote a healthy lifestyle. We — coaches, educators and psychologists — share one important mission: to nurture a generation capable of caring for themselves and for others. If each of us contributes — through our words, actions or example — we can change attitudes toward health in our society,” she noted.
The workshop was held as part of the campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, observed annually on 1 December. The main objective of the event was to bring together specialists working with young people to promote responsible health behaviour among the younger generation.
more »November 10, 2025
Shaping the Future TogetherFrom November 10 to December 10, 2025, the Abai region will launch a campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day (December 1) under the slogan: “From Challenges to Transformations: Taking Responsibility for HIV.” The campaign’s slogan reflects society’s commitment to strengthening the prevention system, improving the quality of life for people living with HIV, and achieving the targeted indicators for eradicating HIV.
As part of the campaign, organized by the Abai Regional Health Department and the Regional HIV Prevention Center, together with medical organizations and educational institutions in the region, a wide range of events is planned. These initiatives aim to prevent HIV infection with the involvement of non-governmental organizations, youth, and key population groups. All initiatives will receive broad coverage in mass media as well as online—on websites and social networks.
One of the main events will be the interactive youth event “HIV Party”, which will take place on November 21, 2025, at A. Bokeikhanov University. In a live dialogue format, participants will discuss current issues, debunk myths about HIV, and promote the culture of testing and support for adolescents and young people living with HIV.
Additionally, a student forum on HIV prevention and promoting tolerance in the region will be held at the State Medical University of Semey.
As part of the campaign, the Regional HIV Prevention Center and medical organizations in the region will host open days, lectures in schools, universities, and colleges, sessions in military units, a roundtable with NGOs at the Medical College, and a press conference with media participation.
Through the information, photos, and videos shared by participants on social networks, residents of the region will be able to learn about the events taking place, be inspired by personal stories, positive examples, and concrete steps in combating HIV, and hear direct calls to action locally.
We urge residents of the region to actively participate in the campaign events and support the ideas of HIV prevention and fostering a tolerant attitude toward people living with HIV!
more »November 10, 2025
In Shymkent, 90% of People Living with HIV on Treatment Have Achieved Viral SuppressionThis year, World AIDS Day (1 December) is being marked under the global campaign theme “From Challenges to Change — Strengthening the HIV Response,” which runs from 10 November to 10 December.
As of today, 1,974 people living with HIV are registered at the Shymkent Centre for HIV Prevention and Control, of whom 1,944 are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among them, 90% have achieved viral suppression. Treatment is provided comprehensively using modern and effective antiretroviral medicines.
Since April 2025, the Centre has been using a new combination medicine containing Rilpivirine, Tenofovir alafenamide, and Emtricitabine. The formulation is based on new-generation technology, offering high efficacy, low toxicity, and minimal side effects, even with long-term use.
The introduction of advanced laboratory diagnostic methods has significantly improved clinical diagnosis and monitoring of treatment effectiveness.
A new HIV testing approach — self-testing — has also been successfully implemented. Now, people at higher risk of acquiring HIV can learn their HIV status within 20 minutes at home using a rapid self-test kit, without visiting a clinic.
For key populations, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — the use of antiretroviral medicines to prevent HIV transmission — is being provided. Currently, 1,217 people are receiving PrEP services.
“Today we are making effective changes in addressing HIV-related challenges. Expanding access to antiretroviral therapy has led to a decline in HIV-related morbidity and mortality.The introduction of ART has enabled people living with HIV to live full, healthy lives and greatly improved their quality of life,”said B. Syrbek, Chief Physician of the Shymkent Centre for HIV Prevention and Control.
He added:
“Our efforts have ensured timely HIV diagnosis among pregnant women and, in many cases, prevented vertical transmission of HIV.To date, 619 healthy babies have been born to women living with HIV in Shymkent.Prevention measures and public awareness activities aimed at protecting the health of future generations have also been strengthened.”
There are currently nine Youth Health Centres (YHCs) operating in Shymkent. These centres support adolescents and young people, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen psychological well-being.
“Together with youth organizations, we help young people increase their awareness of sexual and reproductive health, prevent both communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and develop health-promoting attitudes and skills. We consider all these efforts a worthy and effective response to the challenges of HIV,”concluded B. Syrbek.
more »November 10, 2025
No Cases of HIV Among Newborns Registered in Almaty in 2025In 2025, no cases of HIV among newborns were registered in Almaty.This important indicator confirms the effectiveness of HIV prevention measures among pregnant women and newborns, implemented by healthcare professionals.
Prevention of vertical transmission of HIV (from mother to child) enables healthcare workers to effectively control the virus and allows women living with HIV to give birth to healthy children.
In Kazakhstan, all pregnant women registered at antenatal clinics undergo two routine HIV tests during pregnancy. This approach ensures early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment.
According to Marat Tukeyev, Director of the Almaty Centre for HIV Prevention and Control,
“All pregnant women living with HIV and newborns in Almaty receive comprehensive preventive treatment. When medical recommendations are followed strictly, the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby is reduced to almost zero.”
When the mother’s viral load is low, she can deliver naturally; if viral load is high, a caesarean section is recommended. Immediately after birth, the baby receives prophylactic treatment in the form of syrup.Each child is followed up by specialists of the Centre until the age of 18–24 months and receives free infant formula during the first year through primary health care facilities.
During this period, several HIV tests are conducted.If all results remain negative by 18 months, the child is officially discharged from medical supervision — confirming the child’s HIV-negative status.
Since the beginning of 2025, 66 children with perinatal exposure to HIV have been officially discharged as healthy.
Experts also note increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant women.This progress is supported by the introduction of a multidisciplinary approach, involving a mobile team that includes an infectious disease specialist, pediatrician, gynecologist, psychologist, district nurse, and social worker. The use of modern fixed-dose combination ART regimens, taken once daily, has also played an important role.
To mark World AIDS Day (1 December), Almaty will host awareness-raising and educational activities, including public campaigns, round tables, flash mobs, and outreach events aimed at increasing knowledge about HIV prevention and reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
As part of the nationwide campaign “From Challenges to Change — Strengthening the HIV Response,” community-based actions will include rapid HIV testing for sports spectators, employees, and students.
An interactive youth event, titled “HIVich Party”, will also take place — a live dialogue designed to dispel myths about HIV and support adolescents and young people living with HIV.
For people living with HIV, specialized consultations will be offered — including dermatology, mammology, phthisiology, and oncology services.
On 21 November, the Almaty Centre for HIV Prevention and Control will hold an open house day, where everyone will be able to receive counselling and get tested for HIV free of charge and confidentially.
more »November 10, 2025
Campaign “From Challenges to Change — Strengthening the HIV Response” Launched in Zhambyl RegionEvery year, on the eve of World AIDS Day, large-scale information, education, and prevention activities are held around the world. This year, the campaign runs from 10 November to 10 December under the theme “From Challenges to Change — Strengthening the HIV Response.”
Within the framework of this campaign, various activities will take place across Zhambyl region, including meetings, forums, interactive platforms, thematic round tables, as well as regional volleyball and football tournaments among college students, lectures, and seminars.
Such events help increase youth engagement, foster a culture of HIV prevention, and promote commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
The main goal of the campaign is to promote a culture of HIV prevention, prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other diseases, raise public awareness, encourage responsible attitudes toward personal health, develop safer behavioural practices, and promote health and well-being.
The official launch of the campaign in Zhambyl region took place on 10 November in the conference hall of the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control, with participation from the media. Regional TV channels and journalists were invited to the event.
During the press conference, G. Kalmetova, Deputy Chief Physician for Organizational and Epidemiological Work at the Zhambyl Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control, presented information on the Centre’s activities, the regional HIV epidemiological situation, achieved results, and upcoming tasks.
In addition, O. Abdikerimova, Head of the Organizational and Methodological Department, and S. Dulatbayeva, Epidemiologist of the Mobile Team, shared their experience in HIV and STI prevention, promotion of mental and sexual and reproductive health among adolescents, and the development of personal responsibility for one’s health.
Currently, the HIV situation in Zhambyl region remains under continuous control. Modern treatment methods improve the quality of life of people living with HIV and significantly reduce the risk of further transmission.
Throughout the year, specialists of the Centre regularly conduct information, education, and communication (IEC) activities aimed at raising public awareness about HIV, promoting early testing, and reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
more »November 10, 2025
Aktobe Demonstrates the Effectiveness of HIV TreatmentAhead of World AIDS Day (1 December), specialists from the Aktobe Regional Centre for HIV Prevention have summarized progress toward achieving the global UNAIDS 95–95–95 targets. This strategy aims to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030, which will be possible when 95% of people living with HIV know their HIV status, 95% of those who know their status receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Today, in the Aktobe region, both treatment coverage and effectiveness indicators have already approached the global goals — reaching 93%.
“We see that antiretroviral therapy truly works. Most of our clients on treatment live full lives, form families, work, and raise children. This success reflects not only medical care but also social support,”said Aigul Duissenbayeva, Head of the Aktobe Regional Centre for HIV Prevention.
The positive trend has been achieved through the continuous expansion of HIV testing coverage and free access to modern treatment regimens. The region actively implements activities outlined in the Roadmap for HIV Prevention Measures in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023–2026, in partnership with the health sector, the departments of education, police, the penitentiary system, as well as civil society organizations and youth health centers.
“Every resident should understand that HIV infection is a chronic, manageable condition that can be prevented through simple measures. If prevention fails, modern treatment allows people to control viral load and prevent transmission to others. The success of treatment depends on timely diagnosis and early initiation of therapy,”emphasized Anna Kaspírova, Deputy Head of the Regional HIV Centre.
On 10 November, the global campaign for World AIDS Day will begin under the theme “From Challenges to Change — Strengthening the HIV Response.” In the Aktobe region, numerous prevention and information-education activities will take place among young people and adolescents — including training sessions, essay and dictation contests, meetings with public figures, flash mobs, quizzes, car rallies, and other events.
In public spaces and shopping centers, voluntary and anonymous HIV testing and specialist consultations on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) will be offered.
All activities are organized by the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention, in collaboration with government agencies, civil society organizations (Our Life, Bolashaq Mura, Kazakhstan Red Crescent Society, Qoldau Event), volunteer initiatives (KazMSA, Y-PEER Kazakhstan), and youth health centers (at city clinics No. 2, 6, 7, and the Student Health Center at West Kazakhstan Medical University).
During the first ten months of this year, 48 new HIV cases were registered among Kazakh citizens in the Aktobe region — nine fewer than during the same period last year. The main route of HIV transmission remains sexual transmission (90% of newly identified cases). The majority of newly diagnosed individuals are men (38 cases).
Specialists remind everyone that free and confidential HIV testing is available at the Regional HIV Centre and youth health centers in local polyclinics.
more »November 10, 2025
HIV Prevention Campaign Launched in Almaty RegionAs part of the campaign timed to coincide with World AIDS Day, specialists from the Almaty Regional Center for HIV Prevention and Control are holding lectures and meetings with labor collectives and military personnel. The campaign began in the most remote districts — Rayimbek and Kegen.
In early November, preventive activities took place in the village of Narynkol and surrounding settlements of the Rayimbek district.
The lectures covered employees of government and industrial organizations — the district emergency department, Fire Station No. 12, Kazakhtelecom branch, local post office, branch of JSC “AZhK Energosbyt,” as well as employees of LLP “Qarasaz Food” and the State Enterprise “Narynkol Forestry.” In total, more than 270 employees participated in the events.
Special attention was also paid to working with military units: lectures were held at the Rayimbek District Police Department, military unit No. 97617, as well as at the Narynkol, Kostobe, Sumbe, and Kyzylshekara border posts.In total, preventive activities covered more than 370 servicemen.
In the Kegen district, HIV center specialists met with personnel from the district police department, employees of the JSC “AZhK” and JSC “LTC” branches, as well as servicemen from the Rayimbek Border Administration and the Mynzhylky outpost.
Additionally, preventive seminars were held at the secondary school in the village of Karkara, attended by 69 students and 38 teachers.Overall, more than 300 people were reached in the Kegen district.
During the meetings, specialists provided detailed information about HIV transmission routes, the current epidemiological situation in the country and region, as well as preventive measures and the legal rights of people living with HIV.
Topics such as stigma, discrimination, and accessibility of testing attracted particular interest. All participants received informational materials and protective supplies.
“The most important elements of any workplace HIV program are the continuous increase of knowledge, dissemination of information, and education. Only an informed community can effectively prevent HIV,” emphasized A. Ibraimova, an epidemiologist at the Preventive Work Department of the Almaty Regional AIDS Center.
more »November 10, 2025
Experts Go Live on “Zhana Tolkyn” TV ProgrammeIn Turkistan, a live broadcast of the television programme “Zhana Tolkyn” (“New Wave”) brought together medical professionals and a regional TV journalist to discuss key health issues affecting young people.
The broadcast on TURKISTAN TV featured Erkin Yesaliyev, Head of the Preventive Work Department of the Turkistan Regional Center for HIV Prevention, and Madina Anapiya, specialist of the Youth Health Centre “Saulyk.”
During the discussion, participants reviewed the current HIV situation in the region, the availability of HIV testing, and the range of services provided by the HIV Center and Youth Health Centres. Particular attention was given to the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and the growing problem of synthetic drug use among young people.
According to Mr. Yesaliyev, public awareness on HIV and sexually transmitted infections remains a top priority for the Center and an essential part of its collaboration with Youth Health Centres. He also announced that starting 10 November, Turkistan will launch a campaign under the theme “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.” Alongside awareness events, seminars and open-door days, the campaign will include sports activities and competitions across the region.
At the end of the broadcast, the speakers called on young people and residents of the region to stay informed about HIV, rely on credible sources of information, and get tested regularly.
more »November 10, 2025
90% of People Living with HIV in North Kazakhstan Receive Antiretroviral TherapyIn the North Kazakhstan region, 90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are registered for care are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) — a 3% increase compared to the previous year. Timely initiation and regular adherence to treatment not only improve the quality and longevity of life for people with HIV, but also play a crucial role in preventing the further spread of the virus.Every year on 1 December, the world marks World AIDS Day. In the lead-up to this date, from 10 November to 10 December, Kazakhstan will host the global World AIDS Campaign, held in 2025 under the theme “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.” The campaign aims to emphasize the importance of national and community efforts to sustain progress and strengthen effective measures to end AIDS as a public health threat.In the region, two main modes of HIV transmission are reported:Parenteral transmission — through sharing injecting equipment for psychoactive substances (16.8%);Sexual transmission — accounting for 76.8% of all cases.The number of unsafe injecting practices continues to decline thanks to the Harm Reduction Programme, implemented jointly with outreach workers. The programme includes needle and syringe exchange, provision of protective materials, distribution of educational materials, and community-based awareness activities.Special attention is given to the medical care of pregnant women living with HIV. Comprehensive medical follow-up and timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy make it possible to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child. In recent years, the region has not recorded any cases of vertical transmission, and more than 35 healthy babies have been born to women living with HIV.Specialists from the Regional Center for HIV Prevention are actively working not only on prevention but also on expanding ART coverage among people living with HIV.Antiretroviral therapy is lifelong treatment that suppresses the virus and helps restore the immune system. The medicines must be taken daily.“Today, HIV is not a death sentence. With timely diagnosis and regular treatment, the infection can be controlled — allowing people to remain healthy, active, and have HIV-free children. Regular adherence to ART not only improves patients’ well-being and extends life expectancy but also plays a vital role in preventing transmission: when a person’s viral load is undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV to others is virtually zero.That is why it is so important for every person living with HIV to start treatment on time and remain adherent. The introduction of new-generation antiretroviral medicines with minimal side effects has significantly improved treatment adherence,”— emphasized Mamadiyar Baigulov, Director of the Regional HIV Prevention Center.Antiretroviral treatment in Kazakhstan is fully funded by the government under the guaranteed package of free medical care.Currently, 90% of registered people living with HIV in the North Kazakhstan region are receiving ART — compared to 87% in the same period of 2024, reflecting a 3% increase in treatment coverage. Work continues to expand access to treatment and provide sustained support for all patients.Residents of North Kazakhstan can receive free and confidential HIV testing at the Regional HIV Prevention Center or at local polyclinics.
more »November 10, 2025
Kazakhstan Launches National Information Campaign Ahead of World AIDS Day
Under the theme “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response,” UNAIDS in Kazakhstan will hold a national information campaign from 10 November to 10 December dedicated to World AIDS Day, traditionally observed on 1 December.The campaign’s theme underscores the importance of moving from challenges to concrete action in the HIV response — by transforming existing approaches and strengthening joint efforts among government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and civil society activists.Kazakhstan continues to improve its national legal framework on HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This year, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved the Standard for the Organization of Medical Care for HIV Infection, aimed at enhancing the quality, accessibility and continuity of health services for people living with HIV, as well as strengthening preventive work. Antiretroviral therapy is provided free of charge by the state. HIV testing is available at local polyclinics or regional HIV prevention centres — confidentially, free of charge, and anonymously if desired.During the campaign, all regions of the country will host public events, roundtables, flash mobs and other activities aimed at promoting HIV awareness and reducing stigma and discrimination toward people affected by HIV. Activities will take place in partnership with international and civil society organizations, as well as youth health centres. Regional HIV centres will organize Open Door Days where anyone can receive counselling and HIV testing.Some of the key events planned as part of the campaign include:An interactive youth event “VICHerinka” (a play on the words “HIV” and “party”) designed to dispel myths about HIV, promote a culture of testing, and support adolescents and young people living with HIV in the regions;A public awareness action with players of Almaty’s futsal club Kairat;Reels-style social media videos featuring Kostanay sports clubs — FC Tobol, MFC Ayat, and HC Gornyak;A youth volunteer forum with members of the international Y-PEER network in Kyzylorda;A youth flash mob in Aktobe with participation of NGOs and volunteers from KazMSA and Y-PEER movements;A youth marathon in the Ili district of Almaty region;A hybrid youth event “Bridge of Trust: Almaty ↔ Astana”;A city conference for medical professionals titled “Current Issues in the Spread and Prevention of HIV in the Modern Context” in Astana;On 2 December — an international scientific and practical conference “HIV: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” in Almaty, bringing together national and global experts to discuss advances in HIV and dermatovenereology prevention;On 9 December — a roundtable on migration and HIV prevention among migrant populations in Almaty.
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