The action at the Petropavlovsk House of Culture

November 29, 2023

An event dedicated to World AIDS Day was held at the city House of Culture of Petropavlovsk. The event was organized by the Regional AIDS Center, the Phoenix ALE and the Youth Resource Center. 

“From November 20 to December 1, the World AIDS Campaign is taking place in Kazakhstan. Today's action is one of the events within the campaign. Its goal is to remind young people about the ways of spreading HIV and prevention measures, preventing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, and developing a tolerant attitude towards them,” said Rinat Ulmesekov, deputy director of the AIDS Center.

More than 300 students from all colleges in the city took part in the event.

Experts told students about the routes of HIV transmission and measures to prevent this disease.

“First, the students played the game Taboo. Participants were given cards with words written on them. These words had to be somehow explained to the audience without naming the word itself. Was it easy? I think not really. Because it’s difficult to explain and understand something if you don’t call a spade a spade. The topic of HIV and AIDS should not be taboo or forbidden either. You need to talk about it openly, be honest with your partner, don’t be shy and don’t be afraid to see a doctor,” noted AIDS Center specialist Oksana Simukhina.

Then the AIDS center specialist gave the students a quiz. Two teams of five people took part in it.

“The students demonstrated their knowledge on the topic of HIV. Both teams coped with this task perfectly. Active participants in quizzes and competitions received prizes and certificates,” noted ALE representative Phoenix Karlygash Akinova.

The performances of dance and music groups from the city gave a special atmosphere to the event.

During the event, those who wished could undergo rapid testing for HIV.

“I took an HIV test and the result was negative. I donate blood every year to make sure I'm healthy. It’s good that such events are held; the population, especially young people, should know the measures to prevent this disease,” – said Ruslan Yakobi, a student at the College of Vocational Training and Service.

27 adult students took advantage of this opportunity.

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