No Cases of HIV Among Newborns Registered in Almaty in 2025

November 10, 2025

In 2025, no cases of HIV among newborns were registered in Almaty.
This important indicator confirms the effectiveness of HIV prevention measures among pregnant women and newborns, implemented by healthcare professionals.

Prevention of vertical transmission of HIV (from mother to child) enables healthcare workers to effectively control the virus and allows women living with HIV to give birth to healthy children.

In Kazakhstan, all pregnant women registered at antenatal clinics undergo two routine HIV tests during pregnancy. This approach ensures early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment.

According to Marat Tukeyev, Director of the Almaty Centre for HIV Prevention and Control,

“All pregnant women living with HIV and newborns in Almaty receive comprehensive preventive treatment. When medical recommendations are followed strictly, the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby is reduced to almost zero.”

When the mother’s viral load is low, she can deliver naturally; if viral load is high, a caesarean section is recommended. Immediately after birth, the baby receives prophylactic treatment in the form of syrup.
Each child is followed up by specialists of the Centre until the age of 18–24 months and receives free infant formula during the first year through primary health care facilities.

During this period, several HIV tests are conducted.
If all results remain negative by 18 months, the child is officially discharged from medical supervision — confirming the child’s HIV-negative status.

Since the beginning of 2025, 66 children with perinatal exposure to HIV have been officially discharged as healthy.

Experts also note increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant women.
This progress is supported by the introduction of a multidisciplinary approach, involving a mobile team that includes an infectious disease specialist, pediatrician, gynecologist, psychologist, district nurse, and social worker. The use of modern fixed-dose combination ART regimens, taken once daily, has also played an important role.

To mark World AIDS Day (1 December), Almaty will host awareness-raising and educational activities, including public campaigns, round tables, flash mobs, and outreach events aimed at increasing knowledge about HIV prevention and reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.

As part of the nationwide campaign “From Challenges to Change — Strengthening the HIV Response,” community-based actions will include rapid HIV testing for sports spectators, employees, and students.

An interactive youth event, titled “HIVich Party”, will also take place — a live dialogue designed to dispel myths about HIV and support adolescents and young people living with HIV.

For people living with HIV, specialized consultations will be offered — including dermatology, mammology, phthisiology, and oncology services.

On 21 November, the Almaty Centre for HIV Prevention and Control will hold an open house day, where everyone will be able to receive counselling and get tested for HIV free of charge and confidentially.

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