November 24, 2025
Awareness Campaigns at the “Pana” Social Adaptation CentreOn 21 November, specialists from the Almaty Centre for the Prevention and Control of AIDS held two information and awareness sessions titled “Get Tested! Know! Live!” at the “Pana” Social Adaptation Centre.
Medical professionals provided participants with information on HIV transmission routes, prevention measures, and modern approaches to HIV prevention. More than 250 people received accurate, first-hand information, had the opportunity to ask questions, and received professional counselling and clarifications.
Specialists also emphasized the importance of regular HIV testing. During the campaign, particular attention was given to reducing HIV-related stigma. Health experts highlighted that modern antiretroviral therapy enables people living with HIV to lead full, active, and long lives, and that early diagnosis is key to effective treatment and preventing new HIV transmissions.
All those interested were able to take a free rapid HIV test, with results available within 20 minutes.
The campaign took place as part of the information initiative dedicated to World AIDS Day, under the UNAIDS theme “From Challenges to Change: Accelerating the HIV Response.” The activities will continue through 10 December.
more »November 24, 2025
Working with Key Populations: HIV Prevention at the Talgar Mental Health CentreTo mark World AIDS Day, the Almaty Regional Mental Health Centre in Talgar, Almaty Region, held an information and awareness campaign under the theme “From Challenges to Change: Accelerating the HIV Response.”
The event brought together T. Myrzagulova, epidemiologist from the Almaty Regional AIDS Centre, and social workers from the non-governmental organization “Doverie Plus” — K. Dukhanin, N. Kamarova and S. Kabzhalelov.
The campaign aimed to disseminate accurate information about HIV among people receiving inpatient treatment at the mental health centre — a population considered part of key groups in the HIV response. Participants were informed about HIV prevention measures, modes of transmission, and engaged in discussions about reducing stigma and fear associated with HIV. The session featured an open conversation, awareness-raising activities and practical guidance presented in an accessible and clear format.
Social workers from “Doverie Plus,” who are themselves people living with HIV, shared their personal experiences openly, making an important contribution to the discussion. Their stories helped participants gain a new perspective on living with HIV, better understand the impact of stigma, and recognize the importance of community support and access to health care services.
Such information sessions are a vital step toward dispelling misconceptions about HIV and promoting understanding, support, and tolerance in society — especially when working with key populations.
more »November 24, 2025
Nurly Zhol Railway Station in the capital supported the campaign «From challenges to transformations in response to HIV»As part of the campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, on November 21, 2024, specialists of the urban HIV Infection Center at the Nurly Zhol railway station held a large-scale campaign «From challenges to transformations in response to HIV» for residents and guests of Astana.
Every year on December 1, AIDS Day is celebrated all over the world. According to the organizers of the event, this date serves as a call for action aimed at strengthening society's capabilities in countering the spread of HIV. The HIV Center's specialists emphasized the importance of raising public awareness of modern treatment methods, the importance of knowing their HIV status and timely testing.
«Stigma and fear still prevent people from applying for testing. Our goal is to show that finding out your HIV status is easy, safe, and important for everyone. Knowing their HIV status, a person can continue to adhere to preventive measures, and with a positive result, they can get timely access to early and effective treatment,» said epidemiologist Aigul Idrisova.
As part of the campaign, everyone could undergo rapid HIV testing for free and anonymously, get results in a short time, and seek advice from specialists on issues related to HIV infection. One of the passengers who took part in the test shared his impressions.: «I often go on business trips and usually don't think about such things. But when I saw that the test could be taken here and now, I decided to take advantage of the moment. It only took a couple of minutes, but feeling confident in your health is worth a lot,» the man said.
more »November 21, 2025
Ongoing HIV Awareness Activities in the Private SectorOn 20 November 2025, as part of World AIDS Day observances, an HIV rapid testing campaign was held for employees and visitors at the Eurasia Trade Center in Astana.Specialists from the Astana Center for HIV Prevention informed participants about HIV transmission routes and prevention measures, and facilitated discussions on stigma and discrimination. Everyone wishing to do so was offered free and confidential rapid HIV testing, along with professional counselling and answers to questions about HIV prevention.In addition to testing, an information and awareness session was organized on protection methods, the importance of regular check-ups, and debunking common myths about HIV. Health experts emphasized that awareness and timely prevention are key to maintaining health. They also highlighted that modern antiretroviral therapy enables people living with HIV to lead healthy, active lives, while stressing the importance of personal responsibility for one’s own health and that of others, as well as access to free testing services.Given the seasonal increase in respiratory infections, participants also received advice on the prevention of influenza and acute respiratory infections, along with individual medical masks.Information leaflets and brochures were distributed, and 39 people were tested during the campaign.
more »November 21, 2025
Almaty Youth Learn More About HIVAs part of an information campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day under the UNAIDS theme “From Challenges to Change: Accelerating the HIV Response,” specialists from the Almaty AIDS Center are actively engaging with young people.
On 20 November, an outreach event took place at the Youth Health Centre “Densaulyk Kiltі” (Key to Health), bringing together more than 60 young participants.
Health professionals provided information about ways of HIV transmission and measures for prevention. The discussion covered various aspects of health, the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the importance of personal responsibility.
Particular attention was paid to HIV testing. Medical staff emphasized that testing is free of charge and confidential, available at local clinics or the AIDS Center. Those who wished were able to take a rapid HIV test, receive counselling, and learn their HIV status.
Participants were reminded of the importance of regular health check-ups — especially for those who may have been exposed to risk or simply wish to know their health status. Experts highlighted that early diagnosis allows timely access to care and supports a high quality of life.
In addition, healthcare professionals discussed modern approaches to HIV treatment, noting that with antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV can lead full and active lives.
Interactive quizzes and mini-training sessions were also held to dispel myths about HIV. These engaging formats help young people better understand the information and openly discuss issues that matter to them.
At the end of the event, participants received information leaflets and educational materials.
more »November 21, 2025
Bridge of TrustOn November 18, 2025, a hybrid youth event entitled "Bridge of Trust: Almaty ↔ Astana" was held at the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty to mark World AIDS Day. The event aimed to unite the youth communities of Almaty and Astana through a dynamic, interactive teleconference, combining in-person and online participation. The discussion focused on friendship, trust, emotional well-being, stigma reduction, and HIV prevention. The discussion was presented in a youth-friendly and culturally appropriate format. Student representatives from Nazarbayev University participated in Astana.
more »November 20, 2025
Interactive HIV Awareness Programme for Young People in PetropavlovskAn interactive concert programme dedicated to the World AIDS Campaign was held at the City House of Culture in Petropavlovsk. The 2025 theme — “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response” — inspired a creative and engaging event for young people.
The programme was organized by the North Kazakhstan Regional Centre for HIV Prevention, with the support of the Department of Education of the Akimat of North Kazakhstan Region, the Public Association “Phoenix”, the regional branch of the NGO “Answer”, and the Youth Resource Centre of Petropavlovsk. The participants were students from city colleges.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Mamadïyar Baigulov, Acting Director of the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention. Karlygash Akinova, Head of the Department for Treatment, Prevention, and Dispensary Services at the Centre, highlighted the importance of this year’s theme:
“The theme ‘From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response’ symbolically reflects the global call for meaningful and decisive action. The international community continues to move toward an important goal — ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. To reach this goal, we must act now. The main purpose of our event is to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, promote prevention and social responsibility, and inspire young people to take part in global initiatives. HIV is not just a diagnosis — it is a challenge to society, a test of its maturity, awareness, and compassion.”
Hosts Ruslan Adiyatov and Oksana Simukhina, specialists from the Regional HIV Centre, kept the audience actively engaged throughout the event.
Student teams took part in a quiz, created bright and motivating slogans for HIV awareness in the “One-Minute Slogan” contest, performed silent theatrical sketches on the theme of health in the “Mini-Theatre of Emotions” competition, and came up with creative and positive interpretations of the abbreviations HIV, AIDS, and Healthy Lifestyle (ZОZh) in the “Decode the Abbreviation” challenge. The artistic performances by students of the College of Arts added a special atmosphere to the event.
At the end of the programme, participants received souvenirs from the organizers.
The interactive concert programme encouraged students to look at HIV prevention from a new perspective, express their creativity, and reflect on the importance of each individual’s contribution to building a healthy and informed generation.
more »November 20, 2025
Almaty Region Discusses Integration of HIV Prevention into the Education SystemOn 19 November 2025, the Department of Education of the Uyghur District and the Almaty Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control held a round table as part of the national campaign “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response!”
The main goal of the meeting was to effectively integrate HIV prevention into the education system and strengthen the information and communication competencies of education professionals.
The round table brought together 95 participants, including school principals, vice-principals for educational work, biology teachers, and school nurses. Specialists from the Uyghur District Central Hospital — psychologist G. Kozhakanova, narcologist Ch. Nurzhanov, and gynaecologist G. Musaeva — delivered presentations within their respective fields, providing detailed information about common risk factors among adolescents and adults, the importance of prevention, and the need for a systematic approach within educational institutions.
N. Kasymov, a specialist from the Almaty Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control, presented a comprehensive lecture on HIV prevention measures, key challenges in responding to HIV, and strategies for integrating preventive work into the educational environment.
Participants emphasized the importance of such meetings, noting that they enhance the capacity of education professionals and play a vital role in shaping accurate knowledge and safer behaviour among young people.
Similar activities will continue in the future, ensuring a systematic approach to prevention and strengthening a culture of health and well-being across the region.
more »November 20, 2025
“HIV Party” for Almaty YouthThis HIV Party was not only fun, but also informative. Students of the Eurasian Technological University learned about HIV prevention for the first time in an interactive and engaging format.
The event was organized by the Kazakh Scientific Center for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases (KNSCID), the international youth movement TeenergizerQZ, and the Almaty AIDS Centre. The organizers agreed that open, dynamic, and honest peer-to-peer dialogue — rather than a traditional lecture — is the most effective way to reach young people, allowing them to ask any questions and receive real, evidence-based answers.
During the event, held on 19 November, participants engaged in discussions, debates, and interactive games with prizes. The Kahoot quiz helped consolidate the information shared by health specialists and identify the winners. Participants could also take part in rapid HIV testing with mandatory pre- and post-test counselling.
Special gratitude was expressed to Salavat Kobzhalelov, a person living with HIV, who actively supports others in need and raises awareness about HIV prevention.
Participants shared that such events increase young people’s awareness of HIV, encourage them to get tested, and help reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
Many students highlighted that the peer-to-peer format was particularly valuable. Hearing real-life stories, asking personal questions, and discussing how to act in challenging situations made the session more open and trustworthy. This approach helps break down myths and foster positive, informed attitudes toward HIV.
more »
