Acceptance, Support and Care for Health

November 20, 2025

The Center for Youth Initiative Development in Pavlodar Region hosted a large-scale event titled “VIХ-Party” under the theme “Acceptance, Support and a Culture of Care: Living Without Fear.” The event was held in the format of an open dialogue with participants and guests.

The audience included students from colleges and universities. Among the invited guests were an HIV prevention specialist, an infectious disease doctor from the regional AIDS center, public figures, representatives of the non-governmental organization “You Are Not Alone”, journalists, and independent experts who each contribute in their own way to changing public attitudes towards health and acceptance.

During the discussion, participants explored how to accept themselves, support others, and care for their health without shame or fear. The dialogue encouraged moving beyond difficult topics and stereotypes toward awareness, mutual support and action. Short videos were shown on HIV transmission and why it is important for everyone to know their HIV status.

“People often perceive HIV as something that has nothing to do with them,” noted B. Zhanakhmetova, HIV prevention specialist. “But when a person is actually diagnosed, the psychological shock is significant. Many express regret — ‘If only I had known earlier, I could have avoided infection.’”

Although information about HIV and how it is transmitted is widely available, many still underestimate the consequences, believing they are not personally at risk. Today, HIV affects not only key populations but is also increasingly present among the general population. More than half of registered cases are due to sexual transmission, and among them are people from various professional backgrounds. A single instance of unprotected sex can change a life forever.

According to Dr. N. Urazov, infectious disease specialist at the regional AIDS center, HIV is not a death sentence. Modern medicine makes it possible to control the virus, treat it effectively, and prevent disease progression. More than 97% of people living with HIV in Pavlodar Region are receiving antiretroviral therapy, enabling them to live long, healthy lives and raise HIV-free children.

In Kazakhstan, individuals can quickly and freely learn their HIV status through blood or oral fluid testing. When the infection is detected early, treatment can begin promptly, allowing a person to achieve an undetectable viral load in a short period. However, fear of stigma and discrimination still prevents some people from testing or disclosing their HIV status.

“This not only delays early treatment but also increases the risk of HIV transmission to others,” explained I. Tsivinskaya, representative of the NGO “You Are Not Alone”, which works directly with key populations.

At the end of the meeting, participants aged 18 and older were offered oral rapid HIV testing.

The ongoing information campaign in the region creates space for open dialogue and public awareness. It is hoped that such meetings with young people will become part of the broader movement highlighted by UNAIDS: “From Challenges to Change: Accelerating the HIV Response.”

Each of us can turn understanding into action and action into change. This is how a society is built — one where care and acceptance are not exceptions but the norm.

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