In Kazakhstan, the effectiveness of HIV treatment is over 94 percent

February 26, 2026

March 1st is celebrated as Zero Discrimination Day, initiated by UNAIDS. This year's motto is "People First."

State guarantees to protect rights and prevent any form of HIV-related discrimination are enshrined in law in the Constitution and the Code on Public Health and the Healthcare System of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The country adheres to the "U=U" principle: "Undetectable equals untransmittable." According to this principle, a person living with HIV, taking antiretroviral therapy, and with a low viral load cannot transmit the virus to their sexual partner. This concept is fully supported by global scientific research.

The country is implementing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 strategy, which aims to ensure HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care. Today, 86 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 92 percent of whom are taking antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 94 percent of people living with HIV have a suppressed viral load.

An innovative method of prevention—pre-exposure therapy—is being implemented in all regions of the country. More than 13,000 people are using this HIV prevention method. Every year, more and more people from key populations are being tested for HIV. To increase access to testing for key populations, in accordance with international recommendations, rapid HIV testing is available through non-governmental organizations. Women with HIV have a 98% chance of giving birth to healthy children. ART is becoming more accessible; it is prescribed to patients immediately after diagnosis and is provided free of charge.

To improve these results, the consolidated efforts of the government, NGOs, and civil society activists are necessary. The overall goal is to completely eradicate stigma and discrimination. Its implementation will contribute to a significant reduction in the rate of HIV infection growth, said Roza Kuanyshbekova, Director of the Kazakh Scientific Center for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In 2026, Zero Discrimination Day will be celebrated worldwide for the 12th time.

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