November 14, 2025
In the Akmola Region, No Cases of Vertical Transmission of HIV Reported Over the Past Two YearsOver the past two years, the Akmola Region has not recorded any cases of vertical transmission of HIV. This outcome has been achieved thanks to effective prevention and treatment measures, as well as the trust of women who sought care from health facilities in a timely manner. The information was shared by specialists from the Regional HIV Prevention Centre during a briefing at the Regional Communications Service.
“Today’s positive results are the outcome of early HIV testing among pregnant women, access to antiretroviral therapy, and continuous medical follow-up,” noted Nurlan Akhilbekov, Director of the Centre.
During the first ten months of 2025, 108 new HIV cases were identified in the region. Compared to the previous year, a slight decrease has been observed. The primary mode of transmission continues to be condomless sexual contact, accounting for more than 80% of new cases.
According to the Director, every woman living with HIV can give birth to an HIV-negative child when medical recommendations are followed. This demonstrates that HIV can be effectively controlled when a person knows their HIV status and receives treatment.
All necessary conditions are in place in the country to ensure the birth of healthy children. Health workers encourage women to register for antenatal care early and follow medical advice. It is crucial to undergo HIV testing twice during pregnancy due to the so-called serological window: after exposure to the virus, HIV is already present in the body, but tests may not immediately detect it, as the immune system needs time to produce antibodies. This period typically lasts from two weeks to three months.
For this reason, HIV testing is recommended at 10–12 weeks and 28–30 weeks of pregnancy. If HIV is detected, immediate initiation of antiretroviral treatment is essential to minimize the risk of transmission to the child.
It is important to note that HIV treatment begins immediately after diagnosis and is provided free of charge by the state.
As of early November 2025, six pregnant women with HIV-positive status were under medical supervision in the Akmola Region; 17 deliveries were registered, and nine children were confirmed as HIV-negative after follow-up.
Medical progress is not possible without overcoming fear and prejudice. Specialists emphasize that reducing discrimination encourages more people to seek testing, counselling, and support services.
Ahead of World AIDS Day, the region will conduct informational activities, rapid testing campaigns, and meetings with young people.
According to Asel Baltabayeva, Head of the Prevention Department of the Centre, the organization actively collaborates with Youth Health Centres, civil society organizations and educational institutions to promote responsible attitudes to health and foster tolerance toward others.
Over the first ten months of this year, 15 prevention campaigns were conducted with the participation of nearly 1,300 people, 305 of whom underwent rapid HIV testing. Outdoor communication tools — audio and video messages, as well as information banners — are widely used in the prevention efforts.
World AIDS Day is observed on 1 December. This year's theme, “From Challenges to Solutions in the HIV Response,” highlights the need for countries and communities to remain resilient, safeguard progress, and strengthen the HIV response.
As stated on the official UNAIDS website, transformative solutions are needed to expand access to HIV-related services, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and protect the rights of women, girls and LGBTQ+ people.
more »November 14, 2025
Regional Girls’ Volleyball Tournament Held in Zhambyl RegionIn honor of World AIDS Day, an open regional girls’ volleyball tournament was organized at the sports complex of the Qumshaghal residential area in Taraz under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.”
The purpose of the event was to promote a culture of HIV prevention, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as other infectious diseases among young people; to increase public awareness; to foster a responsible attitude toward personal health; and to promote healthy lifestyles. The tournament also aimed to strengthen youth engagement in sports and support the development of mass physical activity.
The event contributed to encouraging responsible behavior among participants, strengthening trust in healthcare professionals and increasing interest in active lifestyles.
The tournament was organized with the support of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Taraz city administration, the Zhambyl Region Department of Health, the Zhambyl Regional Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS, and the Youth Resource Center.
Six teams participated in the competition, representing various colleges across the region. Each team consisted of eight players, and the matches were held in accordance with international standards. Throughout the tournament, participants demonstrated strong team spirit and mutual support.
Winners:
1st place – Parasat Higher College
2nd place – Abai Zhambyl Humanities Higher College
3rd place – Taraz College of Service and Technology
Teams that placed received special trophies, medals, certificates and valuable prizes.
The regional tournament not only increased young people’s interest in sports but also made a significant contribution to promoting a culture of HIV prevention and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
more »November 14, 2025
Regional Seminar on HIV for Primary Care Physicians Held in Ust-KamenogorskAhead of World AIDS Day, Ust-Kamenogorsk hosted an interdisciplinary seminar for general practitioners and district physicians. The event, held on 14 November, was part of a campaign running from 10 November to 10 December aimed at strengthening HIV prevention measures and informing the medical community about current approaches to HIV diagnosis and treatment.
Specialists from the East Kazakhstan AIDS Centre and heads of specialized departments addressed key issues faced daily by primary care physicians. Participants were provided with up-to-date information on the HIV situation in the region and nationwide, an overview of progress towards the global 95–95–95 targets, as well as a reminder of HIV transmission routes and modern prevention approaches.
A topic that generated considerable interest was HIV testing based on clinical and epidemiological indications. Speakers emphasized which symptoms, complaints and coexisting conditions should raise concern among physicians and serve as grounds for recommending an HIV test. A separate session focused on the management of pregnant women and measures for preventing vertical transmission of HIV.
Experts also presented current approaches to HIV treatment, highlighting new medicines, combination regimens, issues related to drug resistance and specific considerations for managing patients with coexisting conditions. Co-infections, including viral hepatitis, as well as their diagnosis and treatment strategies, were also discussed.
During the practical session, participants were shown the procedure for rapid HIV testing and discussed the management of patients with advanced HIV disease, including hospitalization criteria.
Speakers emphasized that vigilance among general practitioners and the timely referral of patients for HIV testing remain key factors for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
more »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.
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