July 25, 2025
The World Day against Viral Hepatitis under the motto "Time does not wait!"From July 19 to 28, 2025, as part of the World Hepatitis Day, Aktobe region hosted a decade of information and preventive measures under the motto "Time does not wait!".
On July 24, a regional seminar on the prevention of viral hepatitis was held on the basis of GP No. 7 in Aktobe. The event was attended by the chief doctors of the city and district medical institutions, specialists from HIV Prevention Centers, Healthy Lifestyle Centers, epidemiologists and hepatologists.
"The most dangerous are parenteral viral hepatitis - these are hepatitis B, C, and D. Special attention should be paid to the course of the disease, as this disease can lead to serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer over several years. But today, thanks to prevention and treatment methods, we can reduce the incidence of viral hepatitis.",- concluded Meirambek Kurmangazin— chief freelance infectious disease specialist of the Aktobe region, hepatologist, PhD, Professor, Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases of the M.Ospanov ZKMU. Within the framework of the seminar, presentations were also made by specialists from the Department of Health, the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, infectious diseases specialists from the Hepatology Center and our colleague Aliya Yerdibekova, an infectious disease specialist at the AIDS Center, on the topic: "Epidemiology of HIV infection in the region and management of patients with HIV/HCV co-infection."
The main purpose of the event is to raise awareness among medical professionals and the public about ways to detect, prevent and treat the disease early, as well as to develop interagency cooperation in order to reduce the spread of viral hepatitis.
In conclusion, Beknazar Nurmukhanov, a representative of the Department of Health, spoke, who noted the importance of the seminar and expressed gratitude to all participants and speakers.
more »July 25, 2025
Meeting with NGO Representatives Working with Key PopulationsThe State Communal Enterprise at the Right of Economic Management "Regional Center for HIV Prevention" of the Health Department of the Zhetysu Region, following the results of a conducted competition, selected the executor of the state social order aimed at providing support and conducting prevention activities among key populations (PWID, SW, MSM).
The executor of this social order is the Public Fund "Taldykorgan Regional Employment Promotion Fund" — an NGO with experience working with key populations. During the meeting, participants discussed issues of intersectoral cooperation, improving coverage with preventive services, identification and support of clients, as well as challenges and ways to increase the effectiveness of fieldwork.
As part of the event, training was also organized for outreach workers involved in work with key populations, focusing on practical aspects of conducting HIV rapid testing. The training covered the stages of test administration, counseling protocols, referral procedures for individuals with positive results, as well as ethical and confidentiality considerations when working with key populations.
The goal of the training was to strengthen the capacity of outreach workers and ensure broader and more effective coverage of key populations with HIV prevention services.
more »July 25, 2025
Seminar on the Quality of the Pre-Analytical Stage of HIV Diagnosis and Rapid TestingOn July 25, 2025, a training seminar was held in Astana, dedicated to improving the quality of the pre-analytical stage in HIV diagnosis, the rules for conducting rapid testing, and adherence to standards during blood collection. The event was organized as part of efforts to enhance the HIV diagnosis system and to improve the qualifications of medical personnel. The seminar was attended by specialists from the HIV Prevention Center, as well as head and clinical nurses from various medical institutions in the city.
During the training, key aspects of the pre-analytical stage were thoroughly discussed — from proper patient preparation and conditions for transporting biological material, to the timing of sample delivery and storage. Particular attention was paid to blood collection algorithms, compliance with aseptic techniques, labeling, and documentation procedures.
According to K.K. Askarov, Director of the HIV Prevention Center, the pre-analytical stage lays the foundation not only for the reliability and accuracy of laboratory tests but also for timely diagnosis, treatment assignment, and prevention of further HIV transmission.
The organizers reviewed the most common errors, described measures to reduce the number of rejected biological samples, and provided step-by-step guidance for the collection of samples for testing.
The second part of the seminar focused on rapid HIV testing. The topics covered included indications for the use of rapid tests, rules for administering them, result interpretation, and ensuring quality during HIV diagnosis using rapid testing methods.
more »July 25, 2025
Training on Rapid HIV TestingTraining for responsible healthcare organization staff on conducting rapid HIV testing was held at the Regional Center for HIV Prevention, a state-owned public health enterprise under the Health Department of Zhetysu Region.
The training was conducted in the format of a seminar-workshop. The trainers were M.M. Dumbirova, Head of the Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory, and A.E. Arystan, laboratory technician. During the seminar, participants not only studied the theoretical aspects of rapid HIV diagnostics but also developed practical skills in performing rapid tests and interpreting their results.
Rapid HIV testing is a modern method of quick diagnosis that is widely used among key population groups, in emergency situations, among healthcare workers, and for those who wish to undergo confidential testing.
Rapid tests can detect HIV-1, HIV-2, and the p24 antigen. They demonstrate high sensitivity (97.5–100%) and specificity (95–99.9%), making them comparable in effectiveness to ELISA test systems.
The testing procedure is simple and takes an average of 20 to 40 minutes. Whole blood or serum is most commonly used as the biological sample; however, testing can also be done using oral (gingival crevicular) fluid.
The training was aimed at improving the quality of services for early HIV detection and expanding population coverage through effective screening methods.
more »July 24, 2025
Organizational and Methodological Support for HIV PreventionAt the State Communal Enterprise on the Right of Economic Management “City Polyclinic No. 9” under the Akimat of Astana
On July 23, 2025, Bakyt Kultanova, Head of the Epidemiology Department of the City Center for HIV Prevention, and epidemiologist Aizhan Zhaylaubayeva provided organizational and methodological support on issues related to the prevention and diagnosis of HIV infection.
As part of the visit, a working meeting was held with the Head of Medical and Preventive Services of the polyclinic, Svetlana Korolkova. The discussions focused on current issues related to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, as well as the importance of testing pregnant women and their sexual partners.
Training seminars were conducted for the clinic’s medical staff, covering current regulatory and legal frameworks, HIV testing based on clinical and epidemiological indications. Particular attention was paid to raising awareness among general practitioners and specialists about the importance of HIV testing in patients presenting with symptoms or conditions commonly associated with HIV infection, the implementation of rapid HIV testing and post-exposure prophylaxis, as well as the prevention of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and members of key populations.
This work is aimed at increasing the awareness of medical personnel and improving the quality of healthcare services, as well as strengthening HIV prevention measures in the city’s medical institutions.
more »July 23, 2025
HIV Prevention in Closed Institutions of the Almaty RegionIn July 2025, specialists from the State Municipal Enterprise on the Right of Economic Management "Almaty Regional Center for Prevention and Control of AIDS" conducted a series of preventive seminars at Penal Institution No. 57, located in the village of Zarechny, Konaev city.
The purpose of the event was to provide information about HIV transmission routes, prevention measures, and to reduce stigma surrounding HIV infection among staff, medical personnel, and incarcerated individuals.
The seminars were organized by the department of preventive work and led by epidemiologists A. Ibraimova and N. Kasymov. The main focus was on disseminating accurate information about HIV, debunking myths, and fostering a tolerant attitude toward people living with HIV.
Key topics of the seminar included HIV transmission routes — with particular emphasis on sexual and parenteral transmission, especially through the use of non-sterile injection instruments. Prevention measures discussed included safe behavior, the use of personal protective equipment, medical and injection tool sterilization, and timely HIV testing. The importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART), early detection of HIV, access to free treatment in Kazakhstan, and the ability to improve life expectancy and quality of life through regular medication adherence were also covered. The seminar addressed stigma and discrimination, and how negative attitudes affect access to treatment and the psychological well-being of people living with HIV.
Special attention was given to open dialogue with participants. Epidemiologist N. Kasymov answered questions in detail, dispelled common misconceptions, and presented current epidemiological data for the region.
The seminars reached not only the staff and medical personnel of the institution but also incarcerated individuals — a total of 779 people participated, including 718 inmates, 55 staff members, and 6 medical service representatives.
“Holding such informational and educational events in the penitentiary system plays an important role in reducing the risk of HIV transmission and helps to promote a responsible attitude toward personal health among both staff and inmates,” noted epidemiologist A. Ibraimova.
Further plans include expanding outreach to other penal institutions in the region through regular preventive and educational activities aimed at increasing HIV awareness and fostering healthy behavior.
more »July 22, 2025
Mid-Year Results for 2025 DiscussedA virtual coordination meeting held on 21–22 July at the National Center for Public Health and Disease Control brought together heads of regional HIV prevention centers to review the HIV epidemiological situation for the first half of 2025.
more »July 22, 2025
Case Review on Antiretroviral Therapy AdherenceOn 21 July, a case review on adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for children living with HIV was held in Shymkent by specialists from the Shymkent AIDS Center in collaboration with the “Mother and Child” Regional Center.
more »
