December 3, 2025
HIV-Party in Aktobe: Young People Choose Knowledge and HealthOn World AIDS Day, 1 December, specialists from the Aktobe Regional Center for HIV Prevention organized an interactive event called the “HIV-Party” for young people, with the participation of local media figures and community leaders.Speakers included: Madi Saparov, head of the Public Foundation Our Life; Asel Arystangaliyeva, member of the Public Council of Aktobe, head of the sector of the Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurs Atameken, media trainer, journalist, and TV host; as well as Anna Kaspirova, Deputy Director, and Ainur Makhanova, infectious disease specialist at the Regional Center for HIV Prevention.The event was hosted by students of the West Kazakhstan Medical University named after M. Ospanov, representing the volunteer movement of medical students KAZMSA.According to Dinara Urazalinova, Head of the Prevention Department of the Regional Center for HIV Prevention and the event organizer:“Students and volunteers joined the discussion with our experts. Our goal was to create a dialogue between young people, media representatives, and professionals working in HIV prevention. Inviting a coordinator of a community-based organization working with people living with HIV in Aktobe helped foster an engaging discussion on stigma and discrimination.”Participants especially enjoyed the interactive quiz game “Kahoot”, which tested their knowledge about HIV.“It was great that the game was in digital format — everything was clear, accessible, and engaging! Many thanks to the organizers for the sweet prizes and gifts for the winners!” shared Saltanat, a student of the West Kazakhstan Medical University named after M. Ospanov.As Asel Arystangaliyeva noted:“There are still many misconceptions about HIV based on unreliable information. It’s important to rely only on verified sources and not hesitate to seek professional advice when needed.”Every participant had the opportunity to take a rapid HIV test.“Knowing one’s HIV status is a sign of strength, not weakness. It demonstrates responsibility for one’s own health and the health of loved ones — those who truly matter,” summarized Madi Saparov.
more »December 3, 2025
A Mini-Football Tournament Held in TurkestanA football tournament among healthcare workers took place in Turkestan. The sporting event was organized in observance of 1 December — World AIDS Day. The tournament, initiated by the Turkestan Regional Center for HIV Prevention, brought together 12 teams and around 150 healthcare professionals.
Throughout the competition, all teams demonstrated enthusiasm and active participation. Participants also received information on important social issues and showcased their athletic skills.
Specialists from the Turkestan Regional Center for HIV Prevention noted that all teams were well prepared for the tournament.
Currently, an information campaign is being conducted across the region from 10 November to 10 December. As part of HIV prevention efforts, various public awareness activities are taking place throughout the area.
The winners of the tournament received certificates of recognition and commemorative gifts. The organizers expressed their intention to continue similar initiatives in the future.
more »December 3, 2025
Table Tennis Tournament for Adolescents and Persons with DisabilitiesFrom 26 to 28 November 2025, a table tennis tournament was held in the Zhasstar Sports Palace in Taldykorgan. The event was organized by the Department of Health of Zhetysu Region and the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention, in collaboration with the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of Taldykorgan City. The sports event was dedicated to World AIDS Day, marked annually on 1 December.
The tournament brought together adolescents and persons with disabilities from across Zhetysu Region. The initiative aimed to promote mass sports, support talented youth, and encourage participation of persons with disabilities in sports, fostering inclusivity and community engagement.
Organizers noted the active participation of teams and spectators, as well as the high level of sportsmanship and team spirit demonstrated during the competition. Winners and prize-holders received certificates of recognition and commemorative gifts.
The tournament became an important part of the region’s sporting life and a strong example of an inclusive approach to organizing public sports events for all population groups. The competition also formed part of a large-scale information campaign taking place across the region from 10 November to 10 December.
more »December 3, 2025
“Life Matters: It’s Time to Act”A contest titled “Life Matters: It’s Time to Act” was held at the Avicenna Taldykorgan Medical College to mark World AIDS Day, under the theme “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.”
The event was organized by the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention under the Department of Health of Zhetysu Region. Participants included students from Avicenna Taldykorgan Medical College and Taldykorgan Higher Medical College.
The contest consisted of three stages:
Poster presentations — participants prepared and presented creative visual materials on HIV-related themes;
Creative performances — students presented artistic and stage performances aimed at raising awareness and promoting responsible attitudes towards HIV;
Situational problem-solving — teams demonstrated their knowledge, analytical thinking, and proposed practical approaches to overcoming challenges in HIV prevention.
The students showcased a high level of preparation, knowledge, and creativity, reflecting strong civic engagement and commitment to HIV prevention.
The jury noted the participants’ deep understanding of the topic, creativity, and high quality of their educational materials, which contributed to greater public awareness about HIV.
Both teams received certificates of appreciation, and all participants were presented with commemorative gifts from the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention under the Department of Health of Zhetysu Region.
The event became an important step in strengthening HIV prevention efforts. Organizers plan to continue holding such activities annually to ensure broader youth engagement and access to up-to-date information about HIV and its prevention.
more »December 3, 2025
Open Day at the Almaty AIDS CentreOn 2 December, as part of the World AIDS Campaign under the theme “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response,” the Almaty AIDS Centre welcomed city residents to its Open Day.
From the early morning, participants were greeted by healthcare workers. The visit proved beneficial for many Almaty residents — people underwent HIV testing. Visitors could choose between immunochemiluminescent/enzyme immunoassay testing and rapid testing. In the latter case, individuals could learn their HIV status within 20 minutes.
All those tested received pre-test counselling, during which medical professionals answered questions and provided clear information about HIV transmission and prevention measures. Visitors also received informational leaflets and watched educational videos shown at the Centre.
Specialists emphasized the importance of regular HIV testing and early diagnosis, which help maintain a high quality of life and prevent further transmission of the virus.
The event also focused on addressing stigma and discrimination. The Centre’s psychologist spoke about the importance of community support and open dialogue as essential components of prevention. City residents asked questions, shared personal experiences, and noted that such events help dispel myths about HIV and promote greater responsibility for one’s own health.
For people living with HIV, consultations were provided by oncologists, hepatologists, phthisiatricians, dermatovenereologists, and oncological mammologists. In total, 82 people received specialist consultations, and 130 Almaty residents benefitted from psychosocial counselling.
more »December 2, 2025
Sport and Health: Hockey Players in Aktobe Take Rapid HIV TestsAt the “Olimp” Sports Complex in Aktobe, a HIV awareness and rapid testing campaign was held for members of the Amateur Hockey League (AHL) in recognition of World AIDS Day. The initiative aimed to raise athletes’ awareness about HIV, promote safer behaviors, and foster a culture of responsibility for one’s health.“We are grateful to the specialists from the HIV Center for taking the time to work with our team. Such initiatives teach athletes responsibility, increase knowledge about prevention, and strengthen the culture of healthy sport. This is a contribution that truly matters for the entire sporting community,” said Ruslan Koktov, Head of the Amateur Hockey League.Participants received consultations from specialists of the Center for HIV Prevention, as well as the opportunity to undergo a free, confidential, and rapid HIV test. Such initiatives help promote awareness among young people and sports enthusiasts about the importance of early HIV diagnosis and reducing stigma around testing.“We are thankful to the organizers for visiting us and conducting such an important event. On the ice, we fight for victories — but it’s just as important to fight for our health. The test only took a few minutes, but the peace of mind it gives is priceless,” said Nurdaulet Kuanysh, Captain of the Aktobe Hockey Club.“A rapid HIV test takes only 15–20 minutes, but knowing your status can change your life for the better. The earlier a person learns their status, the more effective treatment and support can be,” noted Anna Kaspirova, Deputy Head of the Aktobe Regional HIV Center.Participants also expressed their commitment to supporting the #KnowYourStatus challenge, encouraging other athletes and fans to get tested. The event marked an important step in strengthening collaboration between healthcare institutions and the sports community in the field of HIV prevention.
more »December 2, 2025
Open Days on HIV Prevention Held in Almaty RegionAhead of World AIDS Day, which is observed annually on 1 December, specialists from the Almaty Regional Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS organized large-scale Open Days in the cities and districts of Konaev, Zhambyl, and Uygur.Over several days, residents had the opportunity to receive up-to-date information about HIV, consult with specialists, and take free HIV tests.The main goals of the campaign were to raise public awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote a culture of voluntary HIV testing. Health professionals spoke about the modes of HIV transmission, available prevention methods, dispelled common myths and misconceptions, and distributed educational materials. Everyone wishing to do so could take a rapid HIV test and receive results within minutes — a key step toward early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment.The campaign received a strong response from the public.In Konaev, specialists reached around 180 people, with dozens choosing to undergo rapid and ELISA-based testing.In Zhambyl district, interest was even greater — more than 200 residents received consultations, many of whom took the opportunity to get tested.In Uygur district, the Open Days also attracted a significant number of participants, and the high number of people requesting ELISA testing confirmed the growing public interest in knowing one’s HIV status.Such initiatives not only raise awareness but also foster responsible attitudes toward health, reminding everyone that knowing your status is an important step in protecting yourself and those you care about.
more »December 2, 2025
Volleyball Tournament in Talgar DistrictA district volleyball tournament among girls in grades 9–11 was held at Secondary School No. 3 named after Abai in the city of Talgar, Almaty region. The event brought together students passionate about sports and became a bright highlight in the district’s calendar of youth sporting initiatives.As part of the tournament, and in collaboration with the Talgar District Department of Sports, an information campaign titled “From Challenges to Change: Transforming the HIV Response” was conducted. The campaign aimed to increase students’ knowledge about HIV prevention and emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle.The event was attended by S. Kazbolatov, Director of the Talgar District Center for Physical Culture and Sports Development, and A. Sultanova, an epidemiologist from the Almaty Regional Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS. The specialist explained the basic measures for HIV prevention and highlighted the role of physical activity in maintaining health and well-being.The tournament began at 10:00 a.m., organized by the Talgar District Center for Physical Culture and Sports Development, with coordination provided by the Center’s methodologists N. Murzabayeva and S. Kabylova. The main goals of the event were to promote mass sports, foster a healthy lifestyle, encourage interest in volleyball, and strengthen teamwork among students.At the conclusion of the tournament, the winning teams and runners-up received diplomas (1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree) and special prizes from the Almaty Regional Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS.Participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers, noting that such initiatives help develop athletic skills, build team spirit, and motivate young women to pursue new achievements.
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