Residents of Turkestan Support the Campaign “From Challenges to Change: Accelerating the HIV Response”

November 26, 2025

As part of the campaign dedicated to World AIDS Day, specialists from the Regional Centre for HIV Prevention in Turkestan organized a large-scale motor rally titled “From Challenges to Change: Accelerating the HIV Response.” The event took place on the city’s main streets and drew the attention of both residents and visitors.

Every year on 1 December, the world marks World AIDS Day. According to the organizers, this date serves as a call to action to strengthen communities’ capacity to respond to HIV. Experts from the Centre emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about modern HIV treatment options, knowing one’s HIV status, and timely testing.

“Stigma and fear still prevent people from getting tested. Our goal is to show that learning your HIV status is simple, safe and essential for everyone. By knowing their status, individuals can continue practising prevention, and in case of a positive result, access early and effective treatment,”
said Erkin Yesaliyev, epidemiologist at the Regional HIV Centre.

During the motor rally, specialists informed residents and visitors about free and anonymous rapid HIV testing, the possibility of receiving results in a short time, and counselling services available for those seeking information about HIV.

One participant shared his impressions:

“I believe that such awareness activities are very useful for the population. People will definitely be more willing to get tested to know their HIV status,”
he said.

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