Order and do an HIV test yourself! – now in Astana

February 22, 2024

The results of the project "HIV self-testing in Astana" were summed up at a round table in Astana on February 22. The project was implemented by the Kazakhstan Association for Sexual and Reproductive Health (KMPA) in partnership with Chevron.

  Thanks to the project, since August 2023, key population groups have been able to use the online HIV self-testing service (HIVTEST) at home. 

The online service was first piloted as part of the Almaty HIV Epidemic Control Model project in Almaty. The innovative model was expanded to the cities of Ust-Kamenogorsk, Bishkek, Osh and Dushanbe with the technical support of ICAP.

- "HIV self–testing is simple, fast, convenient, and most importantly, free and absolutely confidential.  The service helps those who are at risk of HIV transmission and wish to take the test in a comfortable environment. This type of testing can increase the number of people who know their HIV status, and in case of a positive result, immediately begin treatment," said Kanat Kyrgyzbayevich Askarov, Chief physician of the Center for HIV Prevention in Astana.

Key groups learned about the opportunity to order online and receive free self-testing kits with video instructions and background information on HIV protection measures through targeted advertising. The project offered a choice of ways to receive tests: at the HIV Prevention Center, in NGOs, through parcel terminals - tastamats or using a courier service.

According to the reviews of users of the online service, the service is convenient and timely. The growing number of orders illustrates the demand for and the need to expand the access of the population, especially young people, to HIV self-testing.

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