Adolescent Forum in Uyghur District: An Open Conversation about HIV and Health

November 19, 2025

A large-scale forum dedicated to raising awareness about HIV and promoting healthy lifestyles among young people was held in the Uyghur District of Almaty Region. The event took place on 18 November 2025 as part of the national campaign “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response!”

The main objective of the forum was to provide adolescents with accurate and evidence-based information about HIV, prevent harmful behaviours, and foster a culture of responsible attitudes towards personal health.

The event was organized by specialists from the Uyghur District Central Hospital, including Education Department specialist A. Asynova, health promotion specialist Sh. Baratova, and youth health centre physician A. Yskak. Specialists from the Almaty Regional Centre for HIV Prevention and Control — A. Ibraimova and N. Kasymov — also participated, delivering a lecture on HIV prevention and engaging adolescents in an open dialogue on pressing health and social issues.

In addition, representatives of other medical professions addressed the forum. Narcologist Ch. Nurzhanov spoke about the harms of drug use, psychologist G. Kozhakanova discussed the prevention of violence, youth health centre physician A. Yskak presented the principles of healthy living, and gynaecologist G. Musaeva provided information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) and methods of prevention.

The forum brought together 90 participants, including students from five local schools, as well as students from the “Ayazhan” Medical College and the Polytechnic College in Shonzhy. Young participants highlighted the importance of such events in improving awareness, building self-confidence, and strengthening a sense of responsibility for their own health.

The organizers emphasized that preventive sessions in schools and colleges will continue, aiming to expand outreach to young people and promote a culture of health and well-being among adolescents and the wider community.

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