November 13, 2025
Players of the futsal club "Kairat" underwent HIV testing and called for awarenessFutsal players of the "Kairat" club actively participated in an informational campaign for World AIDS Day under the slogan “From challenges to transformations in response to HIV.” The players demonstrated that the response to HIV begins not with words, but with concrete actions.
Specialists from the Almaty Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS conducted rapid HIV testing for all willing athletes and club members. Participants had the opportunity to learn their HIV status confidentially and free of charge, as well as ask experts questions about preventive measures.
In addition to testing, an educational session was held for athletes and coaches on protection methods, the importance of regular check-ups, and debunking myths related to HIV. Medical professionals emphasized that modern therapy allows people living with HIV to lead full lives and perform at high levels in sports.
The players of "Kairat" expressed their support for such initiatives and noted that sports can serve as an effective platform for promoting health, tolerance, and responsibility.
more »November 13, 2025
Almaty Firefighters Join Campaign Against HIV
The specialized unit of the Almaty Fire Service has joined the information campaign under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response,” dedicated to World AIDS Day.On 12 November, staff of the Almaty Centre for Prevention and Control of AIDS conducted a training for firefighters. The trainers provided participants with information on ways of HIV transmission and protection measures, explained how HIV is not transmitted, and emphasized the importance of regular testing. The discussion focused on HIV diagnosis and treatment.Special attention was paid to the issues of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.During the training, firefighters asked questions about common myths surrounding HIV and shared their reflections on the importance of mutual support and trust within the team. Participants noted that such meetings help challenge stereotypes and promote a responsible attitude towards one’s own health.The campaign “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response” continues.
more »November 13, 2025
Over One Hundred Students at Gymnasium No. 1 in Almaty Learned About HIV PreventionOn November 11, medical staff from the Almaty Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control conducted a training session for students of Gymnasium No. 1 as part of an information campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day.
In a trusting and friendly atmosphere, the trainers spoke about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking care of one’s own health as well as the health of loved ones.
In a quiz format, students answered questions about ways HIV is transmitted and measures for protection against it. Any mistakes or misconceptions were immediately corrected and thoroughly explained by the doctors.
Participants were also informed about the importance of HIV testing. The medical staff emphasized that early detection of the infection helps preserve health and quality of life for many years.
Special attention was given to the need to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. Teenagers were encouraged to show tolerance, understanding, and respect toward every individual, regardless of their diagnosis.
more »November 12, 2025
A press conference dedicated to World AIDS Day was held in the Mangystau regionA campaign under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response” has been launched in the Mangystau region, dedicated to December 1 – World AIDS Day.
As part of the campaign, from November 10 to December 10, various informational and preventive activities are being held throughout the region. The main goal is to draw public attention to the issue of HIV infection and ensure equal access to prevention, treatment, and support services.
As part of the large-scale campaign, a press conference for media representatives was held at the Mangystau Regional Center for HIV Prevention. Specialists from the center provided detailed information about the current situation regarding the spread of the infection in the region, preventive measures, and the medical assistance provided to residents. Journalists also had the opportunity to ask their questions.
During the campaign, events of various formats are taking place in all districts and settlements of the region. Lectures, seminars, and training sessions are being organized in military units, law enforcement agencies, penal institutions, shopping centers, markets, railway stations, as well as in higher and secondary educational institutions. In addition, informational and educational materials are being distributed among the population, and residents are offered the opportunity to undergo rapid HIV testing.
Furthermore, a large-scale final event is scheduled to be held on December 5 at the regional library.
The Mangystau Regional Center for HIV Prevention calls on residents to take responsibility for their health, undergo timely testing, and lead a safe lifestyle.
more »November 12, 2025
Open Day for Medical StudentsFrom November 10 to December 10, the information campaign "From challenges to transformations in the response to HIV" is taking place in the country. The campaign is timed to coincide with December 1, World AIDS Day, and aims to draw public attention to HIV prevention, treatment, and elimination of stigma and discrimination.
Within the framework of this republican company, an Open Day was organized in Kyzylorda with the participation of specialists from the regional youth health center and the regional center for the formation of a healthy lifestyle, for students of the Bolashak Higher Medical College.
The purpose of the event is to reduce the risk of HIV spread among young people and promote a healthy lifestyle.
S.Balykbaeva, Head of the Epidemiological Surveillance Department, spoke about the ways of HIV transmission and related preventive measures, while focusing students' attention on a healthy lifestyle and behavior that reduces the risk of HIV infection.
In addition, students were presented with modern capillary and saliva rapid tests for the early detection of HIV, and rapid testing was conducted.
On the Open Day, students were introduced to the work of the regional center, and at the end of the seminar, information and educational materials and protective equipment were distributed.
more »November 12, 2025
Karaganda Region: 96% of People Living with HIV Have a Suppressed Viral LoadOn the eve of World AIDS Day, observed on 1 December, the Karaganda Regional AIDS Centre has reported strong results in HIV treatment, prevention and testing. These achievements have been made possible thanks to the coordinated work of a multidisciplinary team of specialists, as well as collaboration with non-governmental organizations supporting people living with HIV.
In the region, 92% of people living with HIV are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART); among those on treatment, 96% have a suppressed viral load; and 99.9% of pregnant women have been tested for HIV. The HIV prevalence rate among people aged 15–49 is 0.79% (below the threshold level of 0.90%), confirming the effectiveness of preventive measures.
World AIDS Day serves as an important opportunity to highlight the resilience of countries and communities that are stepping up their efforts to safeguard progress and strengthen the HIV response. The theme of World AIDS Day 2025 is “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response.”
“Kazakhstan continues to actively develop its programmes supported by public funding. This enables us to provide people living with HIV with the necessary treatment, conduct regular testing, and expand prevention measures, which has led to a significant decline in HIV prevalence,” said Beibit Sagimbayev, Director of the Karaganda Regional AIDS Centre.
“Positive trends are also evident in collaboration with non-governmental organizations working to protect the rights of people living with HIV. The government continues to strengthen its support, ensuring the stability and further development of prevention initiatives,” added Ainur Nupinova, Head of the Karaganda Association “Doverie” (Trust).
Traditionally, in the lead-up to World AIDS Day, an information campaign engages young people, civil society activists and volunteers.
As part of this year’s activities, the Karaganda Regional AIDS Centre has announced a creative contest among students to produce short videos on HIV prevention and the unacceptability of stigma towards people living with HIV. Planned events also include volleyball tournaments among high school students to promote healthy lifestyles, and an awareness event titled “HIV-party” featuring people living with HIV, public figures and specialists from the AIDS Centre—aimed at encouraging young audiences to be mindful of their choices and take responsibility for their health.
In addition, the campaign will include prevention drives, lectures and interactive meetings to increase public awareness about HIV.
more »November 11, 2025
“The Choice is Yours!”: Information Meeting in Atyrau Brings Together 300 StudentsFrom 10 November to 10 December, Kazakhstan is holding a national information campaign titled “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response.” The campaign is dedicated to World AIDS Day (1 December) and aims to raise public awareness on HIV prevention and treatment, as well as to combat stigma and discrimination.
As part of this national initiative, an information meeting titled “The Choice is Yours!” was held in Atyrau, at the N. Balgimbayev Centre, for students of local specialized educational institutions.The goal of the event was to reduce the risk of HIV transmission among young people and to promote a healthy lifestyle.
More than 300 young people attended the meeting and actively participated. Their interest and questions showed that youth are engaged and care about this issue.
Dr. Asem Serikbayeva, epidemiologist at the Atyrau Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control, spoke in detail about the importance of health and personal responsibility:
“Compared to last year, the indicators have decreased. Previously, HIV was more often transmitted among people who inject drugs through the sharing of needles, while in recent years, cases of sexual transmission have increased. This shows that young people should not be indifferent to personal responsibility.”
One of the highlights of the meeting was a “Healthy Lifestyle” flash mob prepared by students of the Atyrau Higher Medical College. Through dance, they conveyed the importance of being active and leading a healthy life.
The event helped young people develop a sense of responsibility for their own lives and understand the importance of protecting themselves from HIV infection.
more »November 11, 2025
A training seminar on reproductive health and HIV prevention was held in AstanaA training seminar was held in Astana, organized by the Public Association «Kazakhstan Association for Sexual and Reproductive Health» (KMPA) in cooperation with the National Commission for Women and Family and Demographic Policy under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The event was held with the support of Chevron as part of the project «Planning the future together!» and was timed to coincide with World AIDS Day.
Within the framework of the program, Zhanna Beketova, an epidemiologist at the Astana HIV Prevention Center, presented up-to-date information on HIV transmission routes, prevention methods, and the importance of timely testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The purpose of the training seminar was to increase the knowledge and practical skills of specialists of Youth Health Centers in providing assistance to adolescents, people living with HIV, and representatives of key population groups. Special attention was paid to HIV prevention, including pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. In his speech, J. Beketova highlighted the role of Youth Health Centers in ensuring the accessibility and timeliness of HIV testing, supporting adolescents, and providing them with reliable information about HIV and STI prevention.
A separate section of the program was devoted to the issues of youth reproductive health, family planning and prevention of gynecological diseases.
Following the event, the participants discussed proposals for further cooperation and joint work in the field of public education on HIV prevention and reproductive health promotion.
more »November 11, 2025
Regional Football TournamentTo mark World AIDS Day, an open regional football tournament was held at the Taraz-Arena sports complex under the slogan “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.”
The aim of the event was to promote HIV prevention, raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other communicable diseases among young people, increase public awareness, foster responsible health behaviour, and promote healthy lifestyles. The tournament also sought to encourage mass participation in sports and stimulate young people’s interest in football and volleyball.
During the tournament, specialists from the Zhambyl Regional Centre for the Prevention and Control of AIDS conducted rapid HIV testing for participants and students who wished to learn their HIV status.
In addition, experts held information sessions for young people on HIV prevention, safe behaviours, and responsible attitudes toward health, and distributed educational materials.
The tournament was organized by the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Taraz City Akimat with the support of the Zhambyl Regional Department of Health, the Regional Centre for the Prevention and Control of AIDS, and the Youth Resource Centre.
Teams of students from various colleges in the region took part in the competition. Each team consisted of 10 players, and the matches were held in accordance with international standards. Throughout the tournament, participants demonstrated sportsmanship, team spirit, and cooperation.
Teams that won first, second, and third places were awarded trophies, medals, certificates, and valuable prizes.
The regional tournament not only enhanced young people’s interest in sports but also made a significant contribution to promoting HIV prevention culture and encouraging responsible and healthy lifestyles in the community.
more »
