In recent years, no cases of vertical HIV transmission have been registered in the WKO

 

December 15, 2025

On December 10, 2025, a press conference was held in the West Kazakhstan Region, dedicated to World AIDS Day, observed on December 1. The event summarized the results of the 2025 Global AIDS Campaign and presented the current epidemiological situation regarding HIV infection in the region. The speakers were Aktilek Umirbayev, Director of the Regional Center for HIV Prevention, and Almagul Mantakova, Deputy Director.

 

During the press conference, Director A. Umirbayev emphasized one of the key achievements of the region:

 

“In recent years, no cases of vertical HIV transmission have been registered in the West Kazakhstan Region. This demonstrates the effectiveness of our prevention system, the coverage of pregnant women with HIV testing, and the timely administration of antiretroviral therapy. These results are the outcome of the joint work of specialists, medical organizations, and women who responsibly take care of their health.”

 

Deputy Director Almagul Mantakova added that in 2025, the World AIDS Campaign was held from November 10 to December 10 under the theme “From Challenges to Transformations in the HIV Response”, aimed at maintaining achieved progress and developing sustainable preventive measures. She presented the key results:

  • Reduction of HIV cases among people who inject drugs (PWID)

“Thanks to the implementation of harm reduction programs, a stable decrease in HIV incidence among PWID has been observed. The programs include syringe exchange, provision of personal protective equipment, dissemination of informational materials, and counseling.”

  • Full coverage of pregnant women with HIV testing

“The coverage of pregnant women with HIV testing is 100%, and their partners — 95%, which allows timely identification of risks and ensures safe pregnancy management.”

  • Prevention of perinatal transmission

“In 2025, 7 children born to women living with HIV were removed from the registry as healthy. In recent years, no cases of HIV transmission from mother to child have been registered in the WKO.”

 

The results of the campaign demonstrate the effectiveness of the work carried out, the importance of interdepartmental cooperation, and a high level of preventive measures in the region.

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