HIV prevention will keep the younger generation healthy

June 4, 2021

Prevention is a set of measures aimed at maintaining and strengthening health, including the formation of a healthy lifestyle, prevention of the onset and spread of diseases, the study of the causes and conditions of their development.

In Kazakhstan, health care for the younger generation is constantly in the focus of attention of the government, state structures and the general public. In the message of the President of the country to the people of Kazakhstan "Kazakhstan - 2030" health, education and well-being of citizens are identified as one of the long-term priorities.The problems of improving the health of adolescents and young people are closely related to issues of sexual, reproductive health, the spread of HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).the situation with low awareness of young people in matters of sexual and reproductive health may lead to the formation in the future of behavior with an increased level of health risk, the consequences of which will manifest itself in an increase in the incidence of STIs, HIV and infertility among the population of reproductive age. Therefore, in order to ensure the health and well-being of adolescents and young people, it is necessary:- provision of adequate and correct information through the introduction of moral and sex education in educational institutions;- ensuring access to quality medical services for reproductive health protection;- ensuring access to free contraceptives for sexually active youth;- organizing and conducting various informational and consulting events, including training young people on maintaining sexual and reproductive health, creating short thematic videos and distributing them through communication channels and social networks.An analysis of the needs of adolescents and young people at high risk of HIV infection and associated diseases showed that the main “targets” of prevention programs aimed at this group should be the following:- raising awareness among adolescents and young people about the transmission routes and methods of preventing HIV infection, eliminating misconceptions and myths about HIV transmission;- formation of a realistic assessment of one's own risk of HIV infection;- creation of a positive attitude towards abstinence from early sexual contacts, 100% use of condoms during sexual intercourse, discussion of HIV and STI issues with a sexual partner before sexual intercourse, inadmissibility of casual sex and situations of sexual intercourse in a state of intoxication, as well as under pressure / coercion, refusal to offer to try injecting drugs, contacting medical institutions for HIV counseling and testing;- formation of a tolerant attitude towards HIV-positive people.To date, there is no vaccine that can guaranteedly protect against HIV, young people need to lead a healthy lifestyle, play sports, useful activities, get an education, and knowledge about HIV prevention will help them realize their plans for a successful, healthy, fulfilling a life. D. Kulzhanova - doctor-epidemiologist KSCDIZ MH RK

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