United Against HIV: Dialogue, Cooperation, Action

November 7, 2025

On 6 November 2025, the Regional Center for HIV Prevention hosted a roundtable discussion dedicated to the preparation and implementation of the campaign marking World AIDS Day, held under the theme “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.”

The event, organized with the support of the Aktobe Regional Department of Health, brought together representatives of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions and health facilities across the region.

In his opening remarks, a representative of the Department of Health emphasized that the combined efforts of public institutions and civil society initiatives remain key to an effective HIV response.

“Today it is important not only to inform, but also to engage communities — especially young people — in prevention efforts. Joint action allows us to respond to HIV more effectively,” said Maksat Seitmukhambetov, Chief Specialist of the Department for Coordination of Clinical Services and Public Health.

Anna Kaspierova, Deputy Head of the Regional HIV Center, presented the theme and concept of the World AIDS Day 2025 Campaign, highlighting the importance of prevention among young people in light of the regional epidemiological situation.

“HIV requires a systemic approach, active engagement of all stakeholders, and ongoing dialogue with young people. Our goal is to foster responsibility for one’s health and to increase public awareness,” she noted.

Dinara Urazalinova, Head of the Prevention Department, outlined the campaign plan, which will run from 10 November to 10 December, emphasizing the importance of intersectoral collaboration. She noted that large-scale outreach events, educational lectures, flash mobs, and information campaigns will play a key role in preventing HIV and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Participants included representatives from the regional Departments of Education and Youth Policy, the Police Department, the Regional Youth Resource Centre (NARKO), the Department of Internal Policy of Aktobe City, the Red Crescent Society of Kazakhstan, public foundations Bolashak Mura and Nasha Zhizn, the West Kazakhstan Medical University named after M. Ospanov, as well as youth health centres of city polyclinics No. 2, 6, 7, and the Family Medicine Clinic.

Participants shared proposals to strengthen information and education activities, expand cooperation with youth organizations, and intensify HIV prevention efforts in educational institutions.

Following the discussion, a joint action plan was adopted to coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders in organizing the World AIDS Day Campaign.

“From Challenges to Change is not just this year’s theme — it defines the direction we must take. Only through cooperation and openness can we achieve real progress in the HIV response,” emphasized Askhat Askarov, Head of the Department for Drug-Related Crime Prevention.

The event concluded with the development of proposals for further collaboration between government bodies, health institutions, and civil society organizations in the field of HIV prevention.

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