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.
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 »
