Five Schools in One Day: HIV Prevention Activities Reach Multiple Villages in Raiymbek District

November 5, 2025

On 4 November 2025, specialists from the Almaty Regional Center for AIDS Prevention and Control carried out a large-scale HIV prevention day in the Raiymbek district. Within just one day, information and awareness sessions were held in five schools across five villages.

Seminars took place at the Alban-Asan Barmanbekuly, S. Ashimbaev, N. Omirzakov, K. Baishyganuly, and A. Kunanbayev schools. The sessions for students in grades 8–11 were conducted by epidemiologists from the Center’s Prevention Department — Ms. A. Ibraimova and Mr. N. Kasymov.

The lecturers spoke in detail about HIV transmission routes, methods of protection, and the importance of knowing one’s HIV status through testing. They also addressed myths and misconceptions related to HIV, as well as the issues of stigma and discrimination in society. The students actively participated in discussions, asked questions, and shared their thoughts on the importance of supporting people living with HIV.

The seminar topics extended beyond HIV and STI prevention to include family planning, healthy lifestyles, and fostering a responsible attitude toward personal health.

Local specialists also played an important role in the event. Ms. S. Kukkuzova, a physician from the district Youth Health Centre, delivered a session on the prevention of early pregnancy, while school nurse Ms. N. Kopbosynova discussed the importance of personal hygiene and strengthening the immune system in adolescence.

The medical professionals emphasized that maintaining sexual and reproductive health begins in childhood — through good hygiene practices, awareness of one’s own body, and respect for the health of others.

The activities were supported by the Raiymbek District Department of Education and engaged a total of 482 students.

“The main goal of our work is to help young people understand that HIV is not a sentence but an infection that can be prevented if one knows how to protect themselves. Information is the best form of prevention,” — emphasized Ms. A. Ibraimova, epidemiologist at the Almaty Regional AIDS Center.

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