90% of People Living with HIV in North Kazakhstan Receive Antiretroviral Therapy

November 10, 2025

In the North Kazakhstan region, 90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are registered for care are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) — a 3% increase compared to the previous year. Timely initiation and regular adherence to treatment not only improve the quality and longevity of life for people with HIV, but also play a crucial role in preventing the further spread of the virus.

Every year on 1 December, the world marks World AIDS Day. In the lead-up to this date, from 10 November to 10 December, Kazakhstan will host the global World AIDS Campaign, held in 2025 under the theme “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.” The campaign aims to emphasize the importance of national and community efforts to sustain progress and strengthen effective measures to end AIDS as a public health threat.

In the region, two main modes of HIV transmission are reported:

Parenteral transmission — through sharing injecting equipment for psychoactive substances (16.8%);

Sexual transmission — accounting for 76.8% of all cases.

The number of unsafe injecting practices continues to decline thanks to the Harm Reduction Programme, implemented jointly with outreach workers. The programme includes needle and syringe exchange, provision of protective materials, distribution of educational materials, and community-based awareness activities.

Special attention is given to the medical care of pregnant women living with HIV. Comprehensive medical follow-up and timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy make it possible to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child. In recent years, the region has not recorded any cases of vertical transmission, and more than 35 healthy babies have been born to women living with HIV.

Specialists from the Regional Center for HIV Prevention are actively working not only on prevention but also on expanding ART coverage among people living with HIV.

Antiretroviral therapy is lifelong treatment that suppresses the virus and helps restore the immune system. The medicines must be taken daily.

“Today, HIV is not a death sentence. With timely diagnosis and regular treatment, the infection can be controlled — allowing people to remain healthy, active, and have HIV-free children. Regular adherence to ART not only improves patients’ well-being and extends life expectancy but also plays a vital role in preventing transmission: when a person’s viral load is undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV to others is virtually zero.
That is why it is so important for every person living with HIV to start treatment on time and remain adherent. The introduction of new-generation antiretroviral medicines with minimal side effects has significantly improved treatment adherence,”
— emphasized Mamadiyar Baigulov, Director of the Regional HIV Prevention Center.

Antiretroviral treatment in Kazakhstan is fully funded by the government under the guaranteed package of free medical care.

Currently, 90% of registered people living with HIV in the North Kazakhstan region are receiving ART — compared to 87% in the same period of 2024, reflecting a 3% increase in treatment coverage. Work continues to expand access to treatment and provide sustained support for all patients.

Residents of North Kazakhstan can receive free and confidential HIV testing at the Regional HIV Prevention Center or at local polyclinics.

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