November 14, 2025
East Kazakhstan Region Presents Results of the HIV Service for the First 10 Months of 2025The Regional Communications Service of East Kazakhstan Region hosted a briefing by the Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS, dedicated to World AIDS Day. Specialists of the institution presented journalists with the results of their work for the first ten months of 2025 and outlined key priorities in HIV prevention efforts across the region.
According to the Centre, this year particular attention has been given to early detection of HIV, expanding access to HIV testing, and increasing public awareness — including among young people. A key focus remains reducing stigma against people living with HIV, as well as strengthening partnerships with healthcare institutions, educational organizations and civil society organizations.
Centre representatives noted that as part of the campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, the region is hosting thematic outreach events, educational seminars and community meetings under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.” These activities aim to strengthen public awareness, promote a responsible attitude toward personal health and improve access to prevention services.
At the conclusion of the briefing, specialists emphasized that systematic information and awareness-raising efforts remain one of the key tools for stabilizing the HIV situation and fostering a culture of timely HIV testing among the population.
more »November 14, 2025
“HIV Party” Held in East Kazakhstan: A Conversation About Acceptance, Support and a Culture of HealthThe Kazakhstan-American Free University hosted a facilitated discussion titled “HIV Party 2025” on the theme “Acceptance, Support and a Culture of Health: Living Without Fear.” The event was part of an information and awareness-raising campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day.
The initiative was organized by the East Kazakhstan Regional Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS. The main goal of the meeting was to increase young people’s awareness of HIV prevention, promote a culture of self-care, and help dismantle stereotypes associated with HIV.
The discussion brought together healthcare professionals, people living with HIV, and a public figure — Gulzhan Bakytbekovna Edilbayeva, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Education at KAFU.
During the meeting, participants explored key topics: acceptance and self-support, the role of family and community in HIV prevention, ways to overcome stigma, and contemporary methods of protection and HIV testing.
The open-dialogue format allowed students to ask questions, share their perspectives and view the issue through the lens of real human experiences.
In closing, participants emphasized that HIV is not a verdict and reminded everyone that self-care and regular HIV testing are essential elements of a responsible approach to one’s health and well-being.
more »November 14, 2025
Get Tested, Know Your Status, Live Your Life!Under this slogan, medical staff of the Almaty Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS conducted an awareness-raising activity for adolescents of Institution No. 11.
The event was organized as part of an information campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, carried out under the UNAIDS theme “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.”
Healthcare specialists explained how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent it, conducted a short quiz to assess participants’ knowledge of HIV prevention, and addressed common myths surrounding the virus.
The adolescents actively participated in the quiz, answered questions and discussed the outcomes. All participants received small prizes.
A short creative exercise — a “HIV cinquain” — helped summarize key gaps in knowledge and added an emotional dimension to the session.
Special attention was given to tolerance and support for people living with HIV.
During the interactive part of the event, participants were invited to analyse real-life situations related to potential HIV exposure. This allowed the adolescents to better understand which actions actually pose a risk and which are merely common misconceptions.
more »November 14, 2025
SDU University Students Challenge Myths and Learn to Speak Openly About HIVOn 13 November 2025, SDU University (Kaskelen) hosted an unusual event under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response” — an interactive youth meeting branded as a “HIV Party”.
The event was designed not as a traditional seminar but as an open, friendly and engaging gathering for young people. Fifty active students took part, showing great interest in the discussion and asking specialists direct and candid questions.
The initiative was organized by the Almaty Regional Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS, in collaboration with specialists from the “Doverie Plus” Public Foundation and the Teenergizer movement. The main goal of the campaign is to increase awareness among young people about HIV and to challenge persistent myths associated with it.
Dr. S. Makhmutova, an infectious disease specialist at the Almaty Regional AIDS Centre, answered students’ questions and clarified the most common misconceptions about HIV.
S. Kabzhalelov, a peer counsellor from “Doverie Plus” and a person living openly with HIV, shared his personal story. He spoke about life after diagnosis, highlighting the importance of support, access to accurate information and societal acceptance.
T. Moldagali, a representative of Teenergizer, presented key facts about HIV and helped debunk widespread myths.
As part of the interactive session, students participated in a 15-question HIV quiz on Kahoot, reflecting the information discussed during the event. Winners received small prizes.
Students expressed gratitude to the specialists for their openness, sincerity and practical guidance, noting that such initiatives help reduce fears and encourage a responsible attitude toward personal health. Similar awareness-raising campaigns are being held across all districts of Almaty Region, contributing to a more informed and tolerant perspective on HIV among young people.
more »November 13, 2025
Doctors in Astana Discuss Access to Hepatitis C TreatmentOn November 12, a city seminar for primary healthcare medical workers was held at the Astana HIV Prevention Center in collaboration with the NGO “Life Despite” as part of a campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day. The seminar focused on: “Management of Patients with HIV. The Patient Pathway for HIV-Positive Individuals in Diagnosing and Treating Hepatitis C. Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities.”
The acting director of the Astana HIV Center, D.V. Panchenko, gave the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of prevention and treatment of viral hepatitis among people living with HIV (PLHIV), as well as the need for proper monitoring of patients with co-infections. The head of the city Hepatocenter, K.A. Shamsivalieva, spoke about the coordination between the HIV Center, primary healthcare facilities, and the Hepatocenter, and outlined the referral process for patients requiring Hepatitis C treatment.
According to the seminar organizers, chronic viral hepatitis treatment for patients with HIV is currently receiving significant attention. This is because HIV accelerates the progression of liver damage caused by Hepatitis C, particularly in patients with pronounced immunodeficiency, as it increases HCV concentrations in the blood by 2–8 times, leading to complications and prolonged treatment.
At the conclusion of the event, the parties expressed their readiness to strengthen further cooperation on the treatment of co-infections.
more »November 13, 2025
Players of the futsal club "Kairat" underwent HIV testing and called for awarenessFutsal players of the "Kairat" club actively participated in an informational campaign for World AIDS Day under the slogan “From challenges to transformations in response to HIV.” The players demonstrated that the response to HIV begins not with words, but with concrete actions.
Specialists from the Almaty Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS conducted rapid HIV testing for all willing athletes and club members. Participants had the opportunity to learn their HIV status confidentially and free of charge, as well as ask experts questions about preventive measures.
In addition to testing, an educational session was held for athletes and coaches on protection methods, the importance of regular check-ups, and debunking myths related to HIV. Medical professionals emphasized that modern therapy allows people living with HIV to lead full lives and perform at high levels in sports.
The players of "Kairat" expressed their support for such initiatives and noted that sports can serve as an effective platform for promoting health, tolerance, and responsibility.
more »November 13, 2025
Almaty Firefighters Join Campaign Against HIV
The specialized unit of the Almaty Fire Service has joined the information campaign under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response,” dedicated to World AIDS Day.On 12 November, staff of the Almaty Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS conducted a training for firefighters. The trainers provided participants with information on ways of HIV transmission and protection measures, explained how HIV is not transmitted, and emphasized the importance of regular testing. The discussion focused on HIV diagnosis and treatment.Special attention was paid to the issues of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.During the training, firefighters asked questions about common myths surrounding HIV and shared their reflections on the importance of mutual support and trust within the team. Participants noted that such meetings help challenge stereotypes and promote a responsible attitude towards one’s own health.The campaign “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response” continues.
more »November 13, 2025
Over One Hundred Students at Gymnasium No. 1 in Almaty Learned About HIV PreventionOn November 11, medical staff from the Almaty Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control conducted a training session for students of Gymnasium No. 1 as part of an information campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day.
In a trusting and friendly atmosphere, the trainers spoke about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking care of one’s own health as well as the health of loved ones.
In a quiz format, students answered questions about ways HIV is transmitted and measures for protection against it. Any mistakes or misconceptions were immediately corrected and thoroughly explained by the doctors.
Participants were also informed about the importance of HIV testing. The medical staff emphasized that early detection of the infection helps preserve health and quality of life for many years.
Special attention was given to the need to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. Teenagers were encouraged to show tolerance, understanding, and respect toward every individual, regardless of their diagnosis.
more »November 12, 2025
A press conference dedicated to World AIDS Day was held in the Mangystau regionA campaign under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response” has been launched in the Mangystau region, dedicated to December 1 – World AIDS Day.
As part of the campaign, from November 10 to December 10, various informational and preventive activities are being held throughout the region. The main goal is to draw public attention to the issue of HIV infection and ensure equal access to prevention, treatment, and support services.
As part of the large-scale campaign, a press conference for media representatives was held at the Mangystau Regional Center for HIV Prevention. Specialists from the center provided detailed information about the current situation regarding the spread of the infection in the region, preventive measures, and the medical assistance provided to residents. Journalists also had the opportunity to ask their questions.
During the campaign, events of various formats are taking place in all districts and settlements of the region. Lectures, seminars, and training sessions are being organized in military units, law enforcement agencies, penal institutions, shopping centers, markets, railway stations, as well as in higher and secondary educational institutions. In addition, informational and educational materials are being distributed among the population, and residents are offered the opportunity to undergo rapid HIV testing.
Furthermore, a large-scale final event is scheduled to be held on December 5 at the regional library.
The Mangystau Regional Center for HIV Prevention calls on residents to take responsibility for their health, undergo timely testing, and lead a safe lifestyle.
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