The “Happiness in Small Things” Initiative Brought Taldykorgan Residents Together in Support of the HIV Response

November 17, 2025

A social initiative titled “Happiness in Small Things” was held in the city centre to mark World AIDS Day, under the theme “From Challenges to Change in the HIV Response.”

The event was organized by the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention of the Zhetysu Region with support from volunteer and youth organizations.

During the initiative, community members received consultations from specialists and informational materials on HIV prevention and the prevention of other sexually transmitted infections. To create a welcoming atmosphere, volunteers handed out small chocolate bars with symbolic messages — gentle reminders about the importance of safeguarding one’s health and showing care for others.

HIV is not a sentence — it is a health condition that allows people to live long, healthy and active lives with appropriate treatment and support.

Specialists emphasize that the earlier a person learns their HIV status, the more effective treatment can be and the better their quality of life. Initiatives like this one help people take the first step — get tested and learn the truth without fear or stigma. Dozens of volunteers and city residents took part in the event. Participants noted that such efforts help raise public awareness and dispel myths about HIV.

Experts from the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention reported a decrease in new HIV cases compared to the same period last year. Since the beginning of 2025, the Centre has conducted 134 information and outreach activities, reaching over 10,000 people — a result that demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing prevention efforts.

all news »