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 »November 20, 2025
East Kazakhstan: Dozens of Residents Got Tested for HIV While ShoppingIn the East Kazakhstan Region, a vibrant and meaningful event titled “Know Your Status” took place at the “Imperator” shopping mall to mark World AIDS Day. The event was organized by the East Kazakhstan Regional AIDS Centre in collaboration with the NGO Answer, attracting both regular visitors of the mall and people who came specifically after seeing announcements on social media.
Right in the mall’s main hall, specialists conducted rapid HIV testing and provided individual counselling, helping people access accurate information about HIV transmission, prevention, and the importance of early diagnosis.
Many participants said they decided to take the test after reading about the event on social media, while others joined spontaneously during their shopping. The open and easily accessible format made the activity especially effective — anyone could get tested without prior registration or waiting in line.
The organizers emphasized that such initiatives help dispel myths about HIV, raise public awareness, and promote responsible attitudes toward personal health.
more »November 20, 2025
HIV and STI Prevention Seminars Held among Workplace TeamsAs part of the campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day and the ongoing information and education activities, specialists from the Almaty Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control conducted training seminars on the prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in several organizations in the Uyghur District of Almaty Region.
The outreach covered the following workplaces:
- Otan Green Food LLP (poultry farm, Shonzhy village) — 700 employees
- AsiaGaz LLP — 41 employees
- Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan (Shonzhy branch) — 21 employees
- Kazakhtelecom JSC (Shonzhy) — 47 employees
- Kazpost JSC (Uyghur District Postal Service) — 71 employees
- Uyghur District Police Department — 82 employees
During the sessions, specialists explained how HIV is transmitted and how to prevent it, dispelled common myths about the virus, and emphasized the importance of timely HIV testing and safer sexual behaviour. Special attention was given to the principles of confidentiality, non-discrimination, and the importance of fostering tolerance towards people living with HIV.
A separate section of the seminars was devoted to the latest approaches to HIV diagnosis and treatment. Experts explained that early detection enables people to live long and healthy lives, and that antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce the viral load to an undetectable level, eliminating the risk of sexual transmission of HIV. Participants were reminded of the importance of regular HIV testing and seeking medical care at the first signs of any STI.
Such initiatives contribute to improving employees’ awareness, strengthening workplace health culture, and reducing the risk of HIV and STI transmission among labour collectives.
more »
