on HIV infection and tuberculosis (CCM) on April 28, issues of preparing a grant application for round 8 of the GF, the epidemiological situation on HIV and tuberculosis were considered.

The meeting was attended by Tsovinar Sakanyan, portfolio manager for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Roza Tokhtanalievna Kuanyshbekova, director of the KNCDIZ, introduced the audience to the epidemiological situation with HIV infection.

Among the achievements, she noted a decrease in new HIV cases in the country by 10 percent compared to last year, as well as a decrease in deaths from AIDS. The positive trend in the coverage of pregnant women with two-time HIV testing has strengthened, today this figure is 99 percent. Among the positive trends is the high coverage of HIV research: about five million per year.

Problematic issues related to the late detection of HIV (55%), the creation of a tariff for genotyping, increased detection of the virus among the general population, and others require solving.

Participants discussed qualification criteria and the GF country bid cycle, highlighting process transparency and civil society engagement.

Roza Tokhtanalievna Kuanyshbekova, Director of the KSCDIZ, briefed the Global Fund representative on the implementation of the HIV Roadmap for 2026-2030 and the potential for expanding prevention and testing programs not only among key populations but also the general population.

"One of the pressing issues today is late HIV detection, which complicates treatment. As is well known, timely detection allows for early initiation of therapy and significantly improves patients' quality of life. Early detection is an important priority in the prevention and treatment of HIV infection," noted Roza Tokhtanalievna.

During the meeting, the results of current programs supported by the Global Fund were also presented.

Tsovinar Sakanyan thanked the Global Fund program implementation team for their effective and focused work. She emphasized that Kazakhstan is currently a pioneer in implementing innovative approaches to the HIV response, including digital solutions, expanding access to self-testing, and modern service delivery models.

During the visit, a discussion was held on next steps to strengthen the sustainability of HIV programs, develop institutional capacity, and ensure the continuity of achieved results.

Particular emphasis was placed on the priority areas of the new country grant application. It focuses on expanding testing for early HIV detection and timely treatment initiation, the use of self-testing and index testing, scaling up pre-exposure prophylaxis, and fully transitioning to state funding for HIV programs without donor participation.

The relevance of the project is обусловлена тем, что случаи позднего выявления ВИЧ-инфекции по-прежнему регистрируются, leading to complications in treatment, a reduced quality of life for patients, and an increased risk of further transmission. According to specialists, early diagnosis, on the contrary, allows for timely initiation of therapy and significantly improves prognosis.

As part of the project implementation, epidemiologists from the HIV Prevention Center are conducting training seminars in City Multidisciplinary Hospitals No. 1 and No. 3, as well as in Polyclinics No. 7 and No. 14.

During the seminars, speakers cover key aspects of early HIV diagnosis and practical approaches to testing based on clinical indications. Special attention is given to recognizing symptoms, syndromes, diseases, and frequent or recurrent infections that may indicate the presence of HIV. An important part of the training is pre- and post-test counseling aimed at improving patient adherence to testing and treatment.

«Late diagnosis of HIV infection remains one of the key challenges directly affecting patients’ life expectancy and quality of life. This pilot project, implemented for the first time, is designed to change this situation by increasing healthcare workers’ awareness, expanding the practice of testing based on clinical indications, and strengthening the system of early detection. These measures are aimed at improving the quality of medical care, reducing the number of late HIV diagnoses, and developing an effective system for early detection,» noted epidemiologist G.A. Sakupova.

 After November 1 of the current year, the project results will be summarized, and the effectiveness of the implemented approaches will be evaluated in order to further improve the work of medical organizations in this area.

"Only through open dialogue and pooling resources can we effectively combat the spread of HIV infection and improve the quality of life for patients. The UNAIDS 95–95–95 strategy indicators are currently met in the country: 87% of people living with HIV know their status, 89% are receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 92% of those receiving therapy have a suppressed viral load," noted Roza Kuanyshbekova, Director of the KRCDIZ.

The discussion focused on expanding testing, ensuring uninterrupted therapy, increasing adherence to treatment, and reducing stigma. The need to consolidate efforts to stabilize the epidemiological situation was emphasized.

The dialogue platform has become an effective platform for coordinating actions, sharing experiences, and developing partnerships among all stakeholders.

The event was organized by the Kazakh Scientific Center for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan in partnership with the Society of Dermatovenerologists, Dermatocosmetologists, and Leprologists, the S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, and the Department of Dermatoveneralogy of the Kazakh-Russian Medical University.

Dermatological Readings are traditionally held to create a permanent platform for scientific communication, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, exchange best practices, and implement them in medical care in dermatovenereology, dermatocosmetology, and related specialties.

This annual event is held in memory of Zhumagul Orazymbetova, a teacher, scientist, professor, and renowned dermatovenereologist. She was one of the founders of the Russian Research Institute of Dermatovenereology and trained a plethora of scientists and clinicians in the country's dermatovenereology service.

The topics of scientific discussions and presentations expand each year and touch upon a wide range of areas of dermatovenereology, dermatocosmetology, and leprosy. The current conference discussed not only the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, but also the expanding boundaries of genetic engineering therapy and the implementation of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is already being successfully used in dermatology worldwide. According to scientists at the KRCDIZ, AI can process data faster and shorten the diagnostic process, which will facilitate earlier treatment and improve its effectiveness.

Conference participants included scientists and physicians from Kazakhstan, Libya, the United States, and Uzbekistan.

Assel Salimova, a doctor from the United States, presented "Lower Facial Depressants – Marking, Dosage, and Depth." Saleh Amjed Aamer, a doctor from Libya, presented anesthesia techniques in emergency cosmetology. Dermatovenereologists from Uzbekistan, Marat Yeshanov and Nadezhda Sergeeva, discussed the current state and development prospects of the dermatovenereology service in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well as IHLA, a modern method for diagnosing syphilis.

The diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis proved to be one of the most discussed topics at the international conference. Experts note that approximately 4 percent of people worldwide currently suffer from this condition. The condition negatively impacts patients' quality of life. However, specialists at the KSCDIZ are convinced that early initiation of therapy with new medications makes it possible to achieve complete or nearly complete skin clearance.

The poster competition demonstrated the high level of training of the KSCDIZ resident physicians and the creative approach of all participants. Fifteen poster presentations were presented by young scientists. The authors of the best papers were awarded valuable prizes.

This year's Health Day theme unites the key approach of "One Health." This means that human health is directly linked to the health of the environment, animals, and the entire ecosystem. Only collaborative, science-based solutions can effectively address modern challenges. The Day's motto is "Together for Health. Support Science."

From April 1st to 7th, our residents shared how to maintain health, practice STI prevention, and why this is important.

Challenge participants noted that a conscious and responsible approach to lifestyle improves the well-being of citizens, how this helps strengthen public health, reduce disease rates, and promote the health of the younger generation.

Kazakhstan consistently supports the development of science in healthcare—from the introduction of modern technologies to strengthening prevention and early diagnosis.

As is well known, the country is currently undertaking comprehensive measures to combat corruption. Increasing transparency, developing ethical standards, digitalizing services, and public participation are the tools that, taken together, form a modern anti-corruption model.Abdenbekov, compliance officer at the KNCSDZ, addressed the meeting participants. In his report, he emphasized the importance of raising legal awareness and ensuring unconditional compliance with the Code of Ethics in daily activities. Only by strictly adhering to the principles of legality, integrity, and transparency can one ensure the quality of medical care, public trust, and the sustainable functioning of the organization.

Between May 12, the center will conduct an internal analysis of corruption risks, followed by a discussion of its results. The healthcare sector is considered a high-risk area for corruption, as it is directly linked to the provision of vital services to the population, the distribution of resources, and the making of decisions affecting the rights and legitimate interests of citizens. Therefore, any deviation from established norms is unacceptable.

We wish you spring warmth, renewal, prosperity, and well-being.

May this bright holiday bring peace, friendship, joy, and abundance to your home!

Each center employee had the opportunity to express their individuality through clothing and support the unity and cultural diversity of Kazakhstan.

Kazakh national dress is a reflection of the culture, history, and traditions of the people. Each element conceals profound symbolism related to nature and social status.

The revival of national dress is not only a tribute to tradition but also a way to preserve cultural identity while adapting it to modern realities.