Training on HIV Testing Motivation Held in Shymkent

November 26, 2025

As part of the Global Fund grant titled “Ensuring Sustainability and Continuity of HIV Testing and Prevention Services among Key Populations and Supporting Treatment Adherence among People Living with HIV,” a two-day training on engaging key populations in HIV testing using the Social Network Strategy (SNS) was held in Shymkent on 19–20 November.

The training brought together specialists from non-governmental organizations and HIV prevention centres from the regions participating in the Global Fund project.

Representatives of the Public Foundation “Community Friend” shared their successful experience from Almaty. From July 2024 to November 2025, 37 people from key populations tested positive for HIV through rapid testing conducted at the NGO. The SNS approach has proven to be an effective method for engaging key populations, increasing the detection of new HIV cases, and strengthening HIV prevention systems in Kazakhstan. This strategy helps to build sustainable community connections, reduce barriers to testing, and enhance the effectiveness of the national HIV response.

Participants gained practical skills in applying the SNS method through exercises and role-playing, preparing them to implement this approach in other regions of the country.

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