Open House Event “See It with Your Own Eyes” Held in Kokshetau  

June 11, 2026

An Open House event titled “See It with Your Own Eyes” was held at the Regional Mental Health Center to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Students from colleges in Kokshetau took part in the event. They had the opportunity to learn about the center’s work, gain insight into modern approaches to the prevention and treatment of addictions, and observe how rapid drug testing is conducted to detect the use of narcotic substances. 

The tour was led by Muslim Zagirov, Deputy Chief Physician for Narcology Services. Representatives of the Drug Crime Prevention Department and the Akmola Regional HIV Prevention Center also participated in the event.

Following the tour, an interactive session was held focusing on the importance of maintaining young people’s health. Specialists discussed the consequences of psychoactive substance use, its impact on physical and mental health, and the risks associated with HIV transmission.

According to Nurlybek Konuspayev, a specialist at the Akmola Regional HIV Prevention Center, the use of narcotic substances, especially new psychoactive substances (NPS), can significantly increase the risk of HIV infection.

“HIV infection is a disease whose risk is directly linked to human behavior. Therefore, it is important to have reliable information and to use simple and effective preventive measures in everyday life,” the specialist noted. 

Particular attention during the discussion was given to the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own health and obtaining information from trustworthy sources.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Raziya Kursanova spoke to the students about liability for the illegal trafficking of psychoactive substances and pharmaceutical drugs.

“Today, the distribution of psychotropic medications without a doctor’s prescription and by individuals who do not have the appropriate authorization is a criminal offense. Unfortunately, such cases are also detected in our region, which is why this area remains under special control of law enforcement agencies,” she emphasized.

At the end of the event, participants were offered voluntary rapid HIV testing. More than 30 people took part in the campaign, and 14 of them used the opportunity to learn their HIV status.

The organizers believe that such events help young people develop a responsible attitude toward their health, increase awareness, and contribute to the prevention of addictions and other socially significant diseases.

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