December 2, 2025
World AIDS Day Awareness Campaign at Petropavl Railway StationOn 1 December, as part of the World AIDS Day observance, an information and awareness campaign was held at the Petropavl railway station.The event was organized by the North Kazakhstan Regional Center for HIV Prevention, together with the Petropavl Youth Resource Center and the Akmola Regional Department for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control in Transport.During the campaign, specialists distributed informational brochures to passengers and visitors, reminding them of the importance of HIV prevention and timely testing.“Holding such public awareness campaigns in busy and easily accessible places allows us to reach a wider audience and share important information about HIV prevention. Here, we can not only talk about protective measures and the need for testing but also answer people’s questions directly. Today, our outreach covered about 200 people. We hope that each of them will reflect on this issue, take responsibility for their health, remember what they learned, and perhaps share this knowledge with their friends and families,” said Oksana Simukhina, specialist from the Regional Center for HIV Prevention.The event was part of an annual campaign aimed at raising public awareness and strengthening HIV prevention efforts across the region.
more »December 2, 2025
Students Against HIV: Dialogue, Creativity, and SupportThe Karaganda Regional AIDS Center, in collaboration with the NGO “Doverie” (Trust) and the People’s Party of Kazakhstan, held a vibrant HIV awareness event — the “HIV Party” — for university and college students. The aim of the event was to increase young people’s awareness of HIV prevention and to promote tolerance and understanding toward people living with HIV.A special guest at the event was Aisulu Suleimenova, a Paralympic athlete, who inspired students with her example of strength, resilience, and a positive outlook on life despite challenges.Zoya Ruzhnikova, a representative of the NGO “Shapagat”, spoke about the experiences of people living with HIV, warned youth about risky behavior, and emphasized that HIV is not transmitted through everyday contact, meaning there should be no prejudice or discrimination.A mobile testing point was also available at the venue, where participants could undergo free and confidential rapid HIV testing.As part of the event, the organizers announced the results of a student video contest on HIV prevention and the promotion of tolerance.First place was awarded to a second-year group from “Medical Intercollege” for their short film “Experiment.”Second place went to the volunteer team of Zheleznodorozhny College.Third place was given to Seva Perepelitsyn, a student from Medical Intercollege, for an animated short film.The winners received gift certificates to electronics stores, and audience choice awards were also presented. The best works were screened during the event.In the concluding part of the event, students engaged in an open dialogue, asking questions about HIV, to which Dr. Olga Orlova, an infectious disease specialist from the AIDS Center, provided clear and detailed answers.The event was held under the UNAIDS slogan “From Challenges to Change: Transforming the HIV Response,” highlighting the importance of joint efforts in combating HIV and making informed choices in favor of health and solidarity.
more »December 1, 2025
Youth Health — the Future of the NationAs part of the World AIDS Day campaign, the week-long initiative “Youth Health — the Future of the Nation!” was launched on 24 November 2025 at Shymkent Polytechnic College.
From 24 to 28 November, a series of lectures and training sessions for first-year students were held under the theme “From Challenges to Change: Transforming the HIV Response.”
Specialists from the Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS — M. G. Moiseeva, D. Zh. Kutmambetova, and D. A. Ibaydullaeva — spoke about HIV prevention, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, healthy lifestyles, and the importance of moral and sexual education for young people.
During the sessions, the speakers answered students’ questions, showed educational videos, and organized surveys and interactive games designed to assess students’ understanding of the material and to demonstrate how essential it is to apply knowledge responsibly and make informed decisions about one’s health.
At the conclusion of one of the meetings, M. Moiseeva emphasized:
“The health of every person is the foundation of a fulfilling life. Prevention — including of HIV and sexually transmitted infections — knowledge, and community support are all crucial to maintaining it. The health of young people determines the health and quality of life of future generations. As representatives of the younger generation, you are the demographic and intellectual potential of our country, and our future depends on your health.”
Students also shared their impressions and reflections on the importance of HIV prevention:
Aikyn, a first-year student (Group 351), said:
“Today’s lecture on HIV and sexually transmitted infections, as well as on stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, was very informative and relevant for our age. The specialist from the AIDS Center explained everything clearly, provided real-life examples, and answered all questions without judgment.”
Maksim, a first-year student (Group 952), added:
“The lectures were very interesting, with clear and accessible information. The lecturer discussed HIV and STIs and stressed the importance of treating our health with care and responsibility. She also conducted an engaging interactive game — its results were surprising and thought-provoking. Thank you for the valuable information.”
more »December 1, 2025
World AIDS Day Campaign Held in KokshetauThe Akmola region is concluding a series of events dedicated to World AIDS Day.
The culmination of the regional information campaign was the traditional youth event, which brought together around 600 school and university students at the Kokshetau Palace of Culture on 1 December 2025.
The red ribbon — the global symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV and of the AIDS response — adorned the clothing of most participants that day. Even before the official programme began, young people were actively engaged: some left warm messages and words of support on a symbolic “heart of solidarity” for people living with HIV, while others reviewed educational materials and discussed important facts about HIV with their peers.
In the palace foyer, everyone interested could take a rapid HIV test and learn their status — more than 30 people took advantage of this opportunity.
The main part of the event included a concert programme and an informational session on HIV.In his welcoming remarks, Kurmanbek Burmaganov, Deputy Chief Physician of the Regional Center, thanked young participants for their engagement, emphasized the importance of combating stigma and stereotypes, and noted that such initiatives help foster responsible attitudes toward personal health.
During the event, letters of appreciation for contributions to HIV prevention were presented to:
Saniya Idrisova, editor of KOKSHE TV;
Anastasia Afanasyeva, HIV focal physician of the Astrakhan district;
the Youth Health Center of Panacea Clinic LLP;
the M. Gabdullin Civil Protection Academy;
the “Arman” Children’s and Youth Creativity Center; and
the Social Rehabilitation Unit of the Regional Mental Health Center.
It is worth noting that from 10 November to 10 December, the region has been running a month-long campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day. The main goal is to raise public awareness about HIV, increase knowledge, and promote a culture of responsibility for personal and public health.
more »December 1, 2025
Kazakhstan’s Health Professionals Enhance the Effectiveness of HIV TreatmentToday, over 93% of people living with HIV in Kazakhstan who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) have achieved viral suppression. This is one of the key outcomes of the joint efforts of governmental, international, and civil society organizations, summarized on the eve of 1 December – World AIDS Day – as part of the UNAIDS global campaign “From Challenges to Change: Transforming the HIV Response.”
Kazakhstan is implementing the UNAIDS 95–95–95 targets, which aim to ensure access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care. Currently, 85% of people living with HIV know their status; among them, 92% are receiving ART, and 93% have suppressed viral loads.
The country adheres to the principle “U=U” – Undetectable = Untransmittable. According to this principle, a person living with HIV who takes antiretroviral therapy and maintains a suppressed viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partner — a concept fully confirmed by international scientific research.
“In 2025, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved the Standard for the Organization of Medical Care for People Living with HIV. This document is designed to improve the quality, accessibility, and continuity of health services for people living with HIV, as well as to strengthen prevention efforts. Kazakhstan has implemented all 12 prevention programme areas recommended by WHO. A key innovation is the introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is now used by more than **13,000 people,” said Roza Kuanyshbekova, Director of the Kazakh Scientific Center of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases of the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan.
Access to antiretroviral therapy has become increasingly equitable — treatment is initiated immediately after diagnosis and provided free of charge. Ninety percent of patients receive ART regimens containing dolutegravir, recommended by WHO as a first-line antiretroviral medicine. Dolutegravir ensures rapid and sustained viral suppression, while its convenient once-daily dosing improves treatment adherence.
One of the optimistic projections for the near future is the planned introduction of long-acting injectable lenacapavir into national HIV programmes in 2026 to expand access for people living with HIV. WHO has described lenacapavir as “the closest option to a vaccine”, as just two injections per year can provide high efficacy and significantly reduce new infections, serving both as treatment and HIV prevention.
Over the past seven years, Kazakhstan has seen a steady decline in critical indicators — including AIDS-related mortality, the HIV incidence rate per 100,000 population, and two major transmission routes: parenteral (through blood and injecting drug use) and vertical transmission (from mother to child).
As a result of sustained prevention and control efforts, Kazakhstan remains at a concentrated stage of the HIV epidemic, with a prevalence rate of 0.3% among people aged 15–49, compared to the global average of 0.7%.
On 2 December, Almaty will host the international scientific and practical conference “HIV: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” where participants will discuss achievements, challenges, and innovations in HIV prevention and treatment.
more »December 1, 2025
In Almaty, leading experts will discuss innovations in the field of HIVOn December 2, the International Scientific and Practical Conference "HIV: yesterday, today, tomorrow" will be held in Almaty. It will be held as part of an information campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day on December 1 under the motto "From challenges to transformations in the response to HIV."
more »December 1, 2025
The debate «From challenges to transformations in the response to HIV» has already been held at Astana Medical UniversityOn November 27, 2025, as part of the Global AIDS Campaign, a debate on «HIV and society» among medical students was held at the Astana Medical University, organized by specialists from the Center for Healthy Lifestyle Education in conjunction with the Astana HIV Center.
Two teams participated in the debate - 1st and 2nd year students of the Faculty of Medical and Preventive Medicine. The positions «for» and «against» were determined by lot between the teams. Medical students discussed and debated on the following topics: «Why is HIV important to society?», «Why is it important for people to have the right to privacy?», «What helps reduce stigma and support people living with HIV?», «Should a person always inform their partner about their HIV status?».
During the event, students were able to undergo rapid HIV testing free of charge and confidentially and receive information and educational materials. A total of 35 students were tested.
In conclusion, the jury members, which included specialists from the HIV Prevention Center, Deputy Director of the Bukeeva Research Institute, Zh.K., senior researcher at the Dalenov Research Institute of Preventive Medicine, O. M. Kozhamkulov, thanked the participants for their activity, expressed opinions and points of view, and also noted the high level of knowledge of the students, awarding prizes places.
more »December 1, 2025
HIV in Focus for Health and Education ProfessionalsA traditional meeting with educators dedicated to World AIDS Day was held in Kokshetau.
On 28 November 2025, an online meeting took place to discuss current issues in HIV prevention within the education system.
The event brought together vice principals for student affairs from regional colleges and Kokshetau schools, heads of methodological associations, and education department specialists from across the Akmola region.
Opening the meeting, Nurlybek Konuspayev, a specialist from the Akmola Regional Center for HIV Prevention, emphasized that the health and education sectors play a key role in shaping a culture of safe and responsible behavior among children and adolescents.
The seminar-meeting consisted of several substantive sessions. The information and education session reminded participants of core concepts related to HIV and modern approaches to prevention.
A separate presentation outlined the epidemiological situation in the Akmola region.
Participants also received practical recommendations to strengthen joint action between health and education professionals in HIV prevention.
The event concluded with a Q&A session and a discussion of participants’ proposals. The meeting resulted in a set of joint decisions aimed at improving the quality of HIV prevention among young people and enhancing collaboration between the education and health sectors.
more »December 1, 2025
“Red Ribbon and Green Leaf”: Social and Educational Event in PetropavlA clean environment and care for one’s health are two interlinked values — and it was around these ideas that the event “Red Ribbon and Green Leaf” was organized, bringing together school students at the Gabit Musrepov Regional Children’s and Youth Library in Petropavl.
The event was co-organized by the Regional Center for HIV Prevention, the Petropavl Youth Resource Center, the Gabit Musrepov Regional Children’s and Youth Library, and the Phoenix NGO, a branch of the Answer Foundation.
The meeting was structured around two thematic areas:
Red Zone – HIV Prevention.Students took part in an interactive quiz titled “HIV: Myths and Reality” led by library staff. After the game, specialists from the Regional Center for HIV Prevention reminded participants about HIV prevention measures, personal responsibility, and the importance of being informed.A book exhibition on HIV was also presented by the library team.
Green Zone – “Taza Qazaqstan” (Clean Kazakhstan).In this section, students demonstrated their knowledge of environmental issues and, together with staff from the Youth Resource Center, discussed eco-friendly habits and ways each person can contribute to protecting the environment.
Another highlight of the event was the announcement of results of the drawing contest dedicated to World AIDS Day. The jury noted that the students’ artwork reflected not only creativity but also a deep understanding of the topic. All participants received certificates and gifts.
“The main idea of this event is to show that human health and environmental health are closely connected. Making conscious choices today is an investment in our country’s future,” said Oksana Simukhina, specialist from the Regional Center for HIV Prevention.“We thank all professionals, teachers, and students who took part and showed such enthusiasm. Together, we are building a responsible generation!”
more » 
