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.
more »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."
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