Regional Seminar on HIV for Primary Care Physicians Held in Ust-Kamenogorsk

November 14, 2025

Ahead of World AIDS Day, Ust-Kamenogorsk hosted an interdisciplinary seminar for general practitioners and district physicians. The event, held on 14 November, was part of a campaign running from 10 November to 10 December aimed at strengthening HIV prevention measures and informing the medical community about current approaches to HIV diagnosis and treatment.

Specialists from the East Kazakhstan AIDS Centre and heads of specialized departments addressed key issues faced daily by primary care physicians. Participants were provided with up-to-date information on the HIV situation in the region and nationwide, an overview of progress towards the global 95–95–95 targets, as well as a reminder of HIV transmission routes and modern prevention approaches.

A topic that generated considerable interest was HIV testing based on clinical and epidemiological indications. Speakers emphasized which symptoms, complaints and coexisting conditions should raise concern among physicians and serve as grounds for recommending an HIV test. A separate session focused on the management of pregnant women and measures for preventing vertical transmission of HIV.

Experts also presented current approaches to HIV treatment, highlighting new medicines, combination regimens, issues related to drug resistance and specific considerations for managing patients with coexisting conditions. Co-infections, including viral hepatitis, as well as their diagnosis and treatment strategies, were also discussed.

During the practical session, participants were shown the procedure for rapid HIV testing and discussed the management of patients with advanced HIV disease, including hospitalization criteria.

Speakers emphasized that vigilance among general practitioners and the timely referral of patients for HIV testing remain key factors for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

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