November 11, 2025
“The Choice is Yours!”: Information Meeting in Atyrau Brings Together 300 StudentsFrom 10 November to 10 December, Kazakhstan is holding a national information campaign titled “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response.” The campaign is dedicated to World AIDS Day (1 December) and aims to raise public awareness on HIV prevention and treatment, as well as to combat stigma and discrimination.
As part of this national initiative, an information meeting titled “The Choice is Yours!” was held in Atyrau, at the N. Balgimbayev Centre, for students of local specialized educational institutions.The goal of the event was to reduce the risk of HIV transmission among young people and to promote a healthy lifestyle.
More than 300 young people attended the meeting and actively participated. Their interest and questions showed that youth are engaged and care about this issue.
Dr. Asem Serikbayeva, epidemiologist at the Atyrau Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control, spoke in detail about the importance of health and personal responsibility:
“Compared to last year, the indicators have decreased. Previously, HIV was more often transmitted among people who inject drugs through the sharing of needles, while in recent years, cases of sexual transmission have increased. This shows that young people should not be indifferent to personal responsibility.”
One of the highlights of the meeting was a “Healthy Lifestyle” flash mob prepared by students of the Atyrau Higher Medical College. Through dance, they conveyed the importance of being active and leading a healthy life.
The event helped young people develop a sense of responsibility for their own lives and understand the importance of protecting themselves from HIV infection.
more »November 11, 2025
A training seminar on reproductive health and HIV prevention was held in AstanaA training seminar was held in Astana, organized by the Public Association «Kazakhstan Association for Sexual and Reproductive Health» (KMPA) in cooperation with the National Commission for Women and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event was held with the support of Chevron as part of the project «Planning the future together!» and was timed to coincide with World AIDS Day.
Within the framework of the program, Zhanna Beketova, an epidemiologist at the Astana HIV Prevention Center, presented up-to-date information on HIV transmission routes, prevention methods, and the importance of timely testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The purpose of the training seminar was to increase the knowledge and practical skills of specialists of Youth Health Centers in providing assistance to adolescents, people living with HIV, and representatives of key population groups. Special attention was paid to HIV prevention, including pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. In his speech, J. Beketova highlighted the role of Youth Health Centers in ensuring the accessibility and timeliness of HIV testing, supporting adolescents, and providing them with reliable information about HIV and STI prevention.
A separate section of the program was devoted to the issues of youth reproductive health, family planning and prevention of gynecological diseases.
Following the event, the participants discussed proposals for further cooperation and joint work in the field of public education on HIV prevention and reproductive health promotion.
more »November 11, 2025
Regional Football TournamentTo mark World AIDS Day, an open regional football tournament was held at the Taraz-Arena sports complex under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.”
The aim of the event was to promote HIV prevention, raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other communicable diseases among young people, increase public awareness, foster responsible health behaviour, and promote healthy lifestyles. The tournament also sought to encourage mass participation in sports and stimulate young people’s interest in football and volleyball.
During the tournament, specialists from the Zhambyl Regional Centre for the Prevention and Control of AIDS conducted rapid HIV testing for participants and students who wished to learn their HIV status.
In addition, experts held information sessions for young people on HIV prevention, safe behaviours, and responsible attitudes toward health, and distributed educational materials.
The tournament was organized by the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Taraz City Akimat with the support of the Zhambyl Regional Department of Health, the Regional Centre for the Prevention and Control of AIDS, and the Youth Resource Centre.
Teams of students from various colleges in the region took part in the competition. Each team consisted of 10 players, and the matches were held in accordance with international standards. Throughout the tournament, participants demonstrated sportsmanship, team spirit, and cooperation.
Teams that won first, second, and third places were awarded trophies, medals, certificates, and valuable prizes.
The regional tournament not only enhanced young people’s interest in sports but also made a significant contribution to promoting HIV prevention culture and encouraging responsible and healthy lifestyles in the community.
more »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.
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