December 11, 2025
“95–95–95” — Achievable: Experts of East Kazakhstan Summed Up the ResultsIn line with the UNAIDS strategy “95–95–95,” a regional conference dedicated to HIV diagnosis, prevention, and treatment was held in the East Kazakhstan region.
The event brought together heads of polyclinics, therapists, and general practitioners of the region. The conference aimed to raise healthcare workers’ awareness of modern approaches to HIV testing for adults and children based on clinical and epidemiological indications.
The conference was opened by Saltanat Fatikhova, Chief Physician of the East Kazakhstan Regional Center for AIDS Prevention and Control, who emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis and continuous efforts to achieve WHO’s global targets.
The program covered key issues relating to the epidemiological situation in the country and the region. Epidemiologist of the Regional AIDS Center, Tatyana Bashkirtseva, presented an overview of the progress made towards the “95–95–95” targets and discussed HIV transmission routes and prevention measures.
Special attention was given to the algorithms of HIV testing for the population based on clinical and epidemiological criteria. Tatyana Bashkirtseva familiarized participants with current regulatory documents governing diagnostic procedures. The session also included thematic video presentations.
Infectious disease specialist of the East Kazakhstan Regional AIDS Center, Akzer Abakanova, delivered presentations on the clinical manifestations of HIV and the specifics of co-infections, including viral hepatitis, as well as modern approaches to their diagnosis and treatment.
The practical part of the conference featured a demonstration of HIV rapid testing. The procedure was presented by Aizhan Amirova, Head of the Prevention Department, who highlighted the importance of accessible early diagnostics for the population.
The conference was timed to coincide with World AIDS Day and became an important platform for experience exchange, professional development of healthcare workers, and strengthening interagency collaboration in the field of HIV prevention in the East Kazakhstan region.
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Forum for Young Doctors in the Abai RegionAs part of the campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, a forum under the slogan “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response” was held at the NAO “Semey Medical University.” The event was organized by the Regional Center for HIV Prevention and the NAO “Semey Medical University.”
The goal of the event was to improve the quality of training for young specialists and provide them with up-to-date knowledge on HIV infection in accordance with national recommendations and international protocols.
More than 280 residents and interns from various specialties participated in the forum. Presentations were delivered by the head of the epidemiology department of the Regional Center for HIV Prevention, professors from the departments of infectious diseases, dermatovenerology and immunology, the region’s chief pulmonologist, as well as heads of the departments of dental disciplines, maxillofacial surgery, internal diseases, and rheumatology of Semey Medical University.
“The respiratory diseases of patients with HIV infection often present atypically and severely. A doctor must be able to timely recognize such conditions and correctly determine the treatment strategy,” noted the region’s chief pulmonologist and professor of the Department of Emergency Medicine, Zh.M. Urazalina.
The forum demonstrated that young specialists show a deep interest in HIV-related issues and strive to improve their professional skills. Participants emphasized the need for regularly updating their knowledge, as well as the importance of an interdisciplinary approach when working with this category of patients.
“Developing professional competencies in young specialists on HIV-related issues is an important component of the medical education system and a key to providing quality care to patients,” stressed Alma Nurtazina, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and International Cooperation of Semey Medical University.
The event provided a platform for discussing pressing issues and enhancing the professional training of young doctors in the field of HIV diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
more »December 11, 2025
Continuation of Information and Awareness-Raising Activities in the Karasai DistrictActive and systematic work aimed at fostering responsible attitudes toward personal health and HIV prevention among young people continues in the Karasai district. Over the past month, specialists from medical institutions and relevant organizations conducted a series of lectures, trainings, and interactive sessions for college students and schoolchildren in the district.
The awareness campaign covered major educational venues, including medical and arts colleges, as well as schools in the villages of Shalkar and Batan in the Karasai district. Both teenagers and teaching staff took part in the activities, which helped broaden the audience and increase the effectiveness of prevention efforts.
Specialists from the Karasai Clinical Multidisciplinary Central District Hospital played a key role in the sessions. Dermatovenerologist T. Kuzmina provided young people with detailed information on methods of protection against sexually transmitted infections, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups. Psychologist S. Sultangalieva focused on the harms of psychoactive substances and explained how drug use affects the physical and psychological well-being of adolescents.
Special attention during the meetings was given to HIV prevention, safe behavior, personal responsibility for one’s health, and the need for timely medical consultation. The interactive format allowed young participants to freely ask questions, receive reliable information, and debunk common myths.
By the end of the month, the awareness campaign had reached more than 950 young people in the Karasai district. This scale highlights not only the importance of systematic prevention work but also the growing interest of young people in health and a safe lifestyle.
more »December 11, 2025
On Legislative Changes in the Field of Anti-CorruptionOn December 10, a meeting dedicated to legislative changes in the field of anti-corruption was held at the KNCDIZ.
M. Abdenbekov, the compliance officer of KNCDIZ, briefed the participants. He noted that corruption today represents one of the most pressing issues of modern society, including in the healthcare sector. This phenomenon undermines citizens’ trust in medical professionals, since in people’s minds a healthcare worker is someone whose mission is to help others.
Mechanisms of internal control aimed at increasing the effectiveness of detecting and preventing violations were discussed.
Participants were shown a documentary film about cases of corruption in healthcare institutions in recent years and their consequences.
It should be noted that this year Kazakhstan underwent a reorganization of its anti-corruption agencies. The country is undertaking comprehensive measures to combat corruption. Increasing transparency, developing ethical standards, digitalizing services, and ensuring public participation are the tools that together form the modern anti-corruption model.
The participants emphasized that further improvement of legislation and strengthening cooperation between government bodies and society are key factors in building a sustainable anti-corruption system.
more »December 10, 2025
Campaign in Mangystau Concludes on the Occasion of World AIDS DayThe Mangystau Regional Center for HIV Prevention held a closing ceremony marking the completion of a large-scale campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, observed annually on 1 December under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.”
The event was attended by Deputy Head of the Regional Health Department Bibizada Duisenbayeva, Deputy Head of the Regional Center for HIV Prevention Galym Alturaev, as well as youth representatives and participants of creative contests.
The main objective of the campaign was to strengthen HIV prevention efforts in the region, increase public awareness, reduce the risk of HIV transmission among young people and key populations, promote early diagnosis, and ensure timely access to treatment. Awareness-raising activities also focused on sexually transmitted infections and the prevention of risk behaviors.
According to Ms. Duisenbayeva, the campaign, which ran from 10 November to 10 December, engaged representatives from all sectors across the region.
“Within the campaign, not only health facilities but also military units of the Ministry of Defence and educational institutions took part in informing young people and the general public. Schools hosted lectures, debates, trainings, and seminars on HIV prevention, while open-door days were organized at healthcare facilities,” she noted.
At the closing ceremony, active participants of the campaign were awarded certificates of appreciation, and the winners of the creative contests were announced.
Winners of the drawing contest among school students:
1st place: Sayan Sanak, Grade 11, Karakum School
2nd place: Assel Tabynbayeva, Grade 9, School No. 19, Batyr village
3rd place: Nurbolat Yusupov, Grade 11, School No. 6, Munaily District
Winners of the student video contest:
1st place: Aktau College of Service Technology
2nd place: Mangystau Energy College named after N. Bekbosynov
3rd place: Tupkaragan Humanitarian College
In conclusion, the organizers emphasized that activities aimed at protecting public health and enhancing HIV awareness among young people would continue in the future.
more »December 9, 2025
Migration and Health: Expanding Access to Services
On 9 December, participants of a working meeting in Almaty discussed national and international approaches to ensuring access to HIV-related services for migrants.The event brought together specialists from the Kazakh National Centre for Infectious Diseases (KNCID), as well as experts from international and community-based organizations working in the fields of migration and HIV. Among the participants were Community Friends NGO, Den Sooluk Nuru NGO, the Regional Expert Group on Migrant Health, and the Central Asian Association of People Living with HIV.Experts focused on the results of the study “Assessment of the Size and Service Needs Related to HIV among People Living with HIV and Key Populations of Foreign Migrants in Kazakhstan.”According to Sairankul Kassymbekova, Head of the Clinical Monitoring Department of KNCID, since the beginning of the year, 180 migrants living with HIV have been registered in the country — accounting for 5% of all detected cases. Currently, 223 migrants are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) through a grant from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.Artyom Lebedev, President of Community Friends NGO, presented the results of the “Migrant Health-2” project in Kazakhstan, noting that over two years, the project has helped 144 migrants gain access to ART.Daniil Kashnitsky from the Regional Expert Group on Migrant Health shared good practices from the WHO European Region on improving migrants’ access to health services.Participants also discussed access to HIV-related services for foreign citizens in Kazakhstan, as well as mechanisms for remote registration and provision of treatment for Kazakh citizens living with HIV who are currently abroad.
more »December 9, 2025
Pine “Alley of Life” – a symbol of hope and stabilityAs part of World AIDS Day on December 1, a large-scale event was held at the Shymkent AIDS Center with the participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations and the media under the slogan “From challenges to transformations in the HIV response.”
more »December 9, 2025
Action at Esil University dedicated to World AIDS DayThe action dedicated to World AIDS Day was held in Astana on December 8, 2025 under the slogan «From challenges to transformations in the response to HIV» for Esil University students. The event was organized by the Kazakhstan Association of Sexual and Reproductive Health, represented by Vice-President M. Sauranbayeva, and the Chevron company, on whose behalf coordinator M. Kenzhebayeva spoke. Epidemiologist A. Idrisova participated and spoke on behalf of the HIV Infection Center, who spoke about the virus, ways of transmission of HIV infection and protective measures. She stressed the importance of modern methods of prevention, regular testing and personal responsibility for health.
The students actively participated in a quiz about HIV prevention and transmission methods. Everyone was able to take an express test, the results of which could be found out in 20 minutes. During the event, those present had the opportunity to ask questions to specialists who explained the importance of timely detection of infection for maintaining health.
Special attention was paid to breaking down the stigma against people living with HIV. Experts noted that modern therapies allow people to lead an active life, and with an undetectable viral load, the virus is not sexually transmitted. This information aroused great interest and became the basis for discussions among the participants.
The event was attended by 250 students, more than 20 of whom were tested for HIV. A film about people living with HIV was also shown. The discussion of the film sparked an active discussion about stigma, discrimination and the need for a tolerant relationship between people, and information booklets were distributed to everyone.
more »December 9, 2025
I have been living with HIV for ten years now.I have been living with HIV for ten years now. During this time, my life has changed dramatically. At one point, it seemed to me that the diagnosis was destroying me, but that was exactly when I grabbed onto life and started over.
Several years ago, when I received a positive HIV test result, I was confused. Before that, I had been living a chaotic lifestyle. Questions kept running through my mind: where did the HIV infection come from, what is it, how do I get treated, and what should I do next? Today I know that people like me have time to find answers, and there are people who are ready to help. These are doctors, as well as others living with HIV who share their experiences.
After the diagnosis, my life split into “before” and “after.” I am a sociable and outwardly attractive man; I always found it easy to meet women. With those with whom a serious relationship was possible, I honestly told them about my status. Some left immediately—they said they couldn’t live next to someone who is HIV-positive. Others simply disappeared, stopped answering calls and messages.
There was one girl, a friend, who accepted me. We got married. But after the wedding, any conflict came with reproaches and reminders about my status. That marriage ended quickly. That was when I realized I wanted to meet someone who could be with me as an equal—one equal to another. Thanks to the specialists at the Almaty Region AIDS Center, I met a girl who also lives with HIV. We got married, have been together for more than three years now, and are raising a son. And fortunately, our child is healthy.
Yes, my life has changed. But life is change. HIV can adjust your plans, but it does not cancel dreams, love, a happy family, a career, children, or friendship. I do not hide my status. Those who accepted me have stayed by my side. And I believe in a dignified, fulfilling life.
more »December 9, 2025
An HIV Awareness Campaign Held at Turkestan International AirportA large-scale campaign titled “From Challenges to Transformations in the Response to HIV” was held at Turkestan International Airport for passengers and airport staff.
Specialists from the Turkestan Regional Center for HIV Prevention noted that the World AIDS Campaign is carried out globally with the support of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
All events of the World Campaign taking place in our region throughout the month aim to promote preventive measures, protect health, ensure access to medical services for people living with HIV, improve the quality of HIV treatment, and prevent stigma and inequality.
“We urge citizens to be active participants in HIV prevention, to know the modes of transmission, to always take preventive measures, and to share useful information about HIV with friends,” said H. Syzdykova, an epidemiologist at the center.
During the event, participants who wished to learn their HIV status were able to undergo rapid HIV testing. The event became an important step in engaging passengers in public health issues and shaping public attitudes toward HIV prevention among airport employees.
“I decided to get tested for HIV to determine my status, because this campaign gave us such an opportunity,” shared passenger Daniyal.
Aliya Dosbolova, a specialist at the international airport, said: “The Regional HIV Center conducts such campaigns annually for passengers and airport staff. These measures can greatly help increase people’s health literacy. This is especially relevant for passengers who arrive in and depart from the city.”
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