The goal of the seminar was to improve the skills of specialists from regional health departments and the cities of Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent responsible for organizing public procurement of services under state social procurement. Participants examined the development of tender documentation, procurement procedures, project monitoring, and evaluation of the effectiveness of services provided through state financing mechanisms.

Particular attention was paid to creating equal and transparent conditions for the participation of non-governmental organizations in the implementation of state social procurement and state grants. During the training, participants were introduced to unified approaches and practical algorithms regulating all stages of project preparation, implementation, and support.

The following served as trainers:
- Eldar Saparov, Chairman of the Civil Initiatives Support Center;
- Asel Kuttybaeva, Chief Expert of the Civil Initiatives Support Department of the Committee on Civil Society Affairs of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
- Gaukhar Ibraeva, Chief Expert of the Department of Public Procurement Legislation and Quasi-Public Sector Procurement of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During their training, the young specialists acquired modern theoretical knowledge and practical skills under the guidance of the Center's experienced faculty and mentors. Residents participated in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients, mastered modern medical care methods, and were introduced to cutting-edge advances in medical science.
Particular attention was paid during their training to developing clinical reasoning, decision-making skills, adherence to the principles of evidence-based medicine, and continuous professional development. This approach enables graduates to confidently apply their acquired knowledge in practical healthcare.

Dermatovenereologists are in high demand in the country today, as there is a shortage in a number of regions. A dermatovenereologist is a versatile physician who specializes in a wide range of skin and sexually transmitted diseases. He treats diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, as well as sexually transmitted infections.
Today, many skin conditions are chronic and prone to recurrence. Sexually transmitted infections are often asymptomatic, with no obvious clinical manifestations. Without prompt treatment, such conditions can lead to serious consequences.
After completing their residency, graduates will be able to provide qualified medical care to both adults and children. Their training focuses not only on treatment but also on prevention, which is especially important.

Over the six-month period, the Center’s specialists conducted 139 HIV awareness and prevention activities, reaching more than 7,500 residents of the region. Educational campaigns were carried out in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, government organizations, and workplaces. In addition to lectures, consultations, and the distribution of educational materials, an information campaign promoting HIV self-testing was launched.

According to the Epidemiology Department, one of the key achievements of the first half of 2026 was the reduction in HIV incidence. Compared with the same period last year, the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases decreased by 1.6 times. Furthermore, no new HIV infections were registered among children, adolescents, blood donors, or transplant recipients, demonstrating the effectiveness of the ongoing prevention and infection control measures.

The region continues to maintain 100% coverage of the program for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, minimizing the risk of HIV infection among newborns.

Modern HIV treatment remains accessible to every patient. Currently, 96% of people registered for HIV care receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 89% have achieved viral suppression. These results confirm the effectiveness of the “U = U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable) principle, meaning that a person with an undetectable viral load does not transmit HIV through sexual contact.

Today, 82% of people living with HIV in the Zhetysu Region are aware of their HIV status. All citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan living with HIV are provided with comprehensive medical care, including antiretroviral therapy, within the framework of the State Guaranteed Benefit Package.

Work with key populations also continues. In cooperation with non-governmental organizations, 98.6% testing coverage has been achieved, while 89% of people living with HIV from key populations are receiving antiretroviral therapy.

According to the Regional HIV Prevention Center, this positive trend is the result of comprehensive efforts to identify the disease early, expand prevention programs, improve access to testing, and improve treatment options for patients. Particular attention is being paid to key population groups, young people, pregnant women, and all citizens with medical and epidemiological indications for HIV testing.

High results have also been achieved in treatment. All patients diagnosed with HIV in 2026 were promptly registered for follow-up and immediately began antiretroviral therapy. Today, 95% of people who know their HIV-positive status are receiving treatment, and 94% of patients have achieved viral suppression. Both indicators exceed national targets and demonstrate the effectiveness of treatment, which maintains patients' health and significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission.

Six non-governmental organization projects aimed at supporting various population groups are successfully implemented in the region. These initiatives are being implemented through the Bolashak Mura Public Foundation under a state social contract, and by the Nasha Zhizn Public Foundation with the support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

"These achieved indicators are the result of the joint and systematic work of all sectors of society. Significant contributions are made by healthcare organizations, education organizations, non-governmental organizations, the media, and, of course, the public itself. Only through such partnerships is it possible to effectively implement HIV prevention and achieve positive results," noted Aigul Duisenbaeva, head of the Aktobe Regional HIV Prevention Center.

Experts emphasize that, despite the positive results, HIV infection remains a pressing public health issue. The only way to quickly learn one's HIV status is through testing. Modern diagnostics are accessible, safe, and confidential, and timely treatment allows people living with HIV to lead full, active lives.

The Regional HIV Prevention Center reported that efforts to expand prevention programs, develop accessible testing, improve early diagnosis, and enhance the quality of medical care for the population will continue.

How can we improve the effectiveness of HIV prevention and detect infection early? These are key issues for the successful response to HIV in the country. Nongovernmental organizations that work specifically with key populations and utilize effective prevention tools play a special role here. The Community Friends foundation is a successful example of this.
NGO representatives noted that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to prevention. Experience varies across the country, so collaboration methods must take into account the specific characteristics of each key population and local context.
Participants focused on the client support system—from receiving a positive rapid test result to registering for treatment. Equally important is the creation of a flexible incentive system for outreach workers, who are crucial to the effectiveness of prevention efforts.
According to experts, each subsequent case identified requires significantly more effort and resources than the previous one, making prevention efforts even more crucial.
Participants also emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration between nongovernmental organizations and regional HIV prevention centers. Such consolidation will allow for faster identification of new cases, improved patient referrals, and increased effectiveness of prevention programs.
Currently, 551 outreach workers are working in Kazakhstan. Over the past year, 109 HIV cases were identified with their participation. They work daily in the field: visiting nightclubs and saunas, conducting rapid testing, distributing PrEP, providing counseling, motivating people to get tested, and accompanying clients through all stages of medical care. Their work is an important part of the national response to HIV and one of the most effective prevention tools.

Particular attention is being paid to public awareness and education. Over the past six months, specialists from the Regional HIV Prevention Center conducted 550 preventive events, involving 9,816 people. The number of events organized in educational institutions has almost doubled. Active collaboration with Youth Health Centers, medical organizations, businesses, and non-governmental organizations continues.

"Preventive work among key populations remains one of our priorities. Thanks to the Global Fund project, we have significantly expanded the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services. Today, consultations are offered not only at medical facilities but also through non-governmental organizations outside of working hours. This approach makes preventive services more accessible, convenient, and confidential, which contributes to increased coverage of PrEP and increased adherence to HIV prevention measures," noted epidemiologist Altynai Yesetkyzy.

According to specialists at the Regional HIV Prevention Center, these results were made possible by the coordinated collaboration between healthcare organizations, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, the media, and the public.

Comprehensive prevention efforts will continue in the second half of the year. Priority objectives include further raising public awareness, expanding access to modern preventive services, and fostering a responsible attitude toward maintaining one's own health.

Mustafa Rysuly was born on October 18, 1950, in the village of Berlik in the Zhambyl region. In 1974, he graduated with honors from the Almaty State Medical Institute with a degree in Pediatrics. From 1977 to 1981, he completed his postgraduate studies in Human Histology, Cytology, and Embryology at the Department of Human Histology, Cytology, and Embryology at the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow Medical Institute.
After successfully defending his PhD dissertation, he worked at the Almaty State Medical Institute as an assistant in the Department of Histology and Pathological Anatomy, and as head of the Pathomorphology and Electron Microscopy Group at the Central Research Laboratory (CRL).
Since 1991, he worked at the International Kazakh-Turkish University, where he held the positions of Head of the Department of Biology and Histology, College Director, Vice-Rector, and Rector of the University. From 1997 to 1999, he served as Rector of the South Kazakhstan State Medical Academy. In the final years of his professional career, he headed the Science Department of the Kazakh Scientific Center for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases.
Mustafa Rysuly is the author of over 170 scientific publications, eight monographs, and textbooks, including those on the development of medical science in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the author of five patents of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He founded the first professional organization of laboratory medicine specialists and the journal "Laboratory Medicine" in Kazakhstan.
He devoted a significant portion of his scientific work to preclinical and clinical trials of drugs and medical devices. As a member of the technical committee of the National Accreditation Center, he participated in the implementation of the international standard ISO 22870 in Kazakhstan. In 2005–2006, he participated in a joint project with specialists from the Research Institute of Biological Safety Problems (Otar) dedicated to the study of umbilical cord blood stem cells.
His main areas of research included genetic studies of cardiovascular diseases in Kazakhstan, the study of the sensitivity and resistance of hospital microorganisms to antibiotic therapy, the use of neutralizing antibodies for the comparative evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines from various manufacturers in Almaty, and many other relevant areas of modern medical science.
Mustafa Rysuly was an outstanding scientist, a wise leader, and a talented mentor. He was distinguished by his high professionalism, dedication to science, integrity, intelligence, and genuine respect for people. He made a significant contribution to the development of Russian medical science, higher medical education, and laboratory medicine, and trained generations of specialists who will cherish the memory of their mentor with gratitude.
The bright memory of Mustafa Rysuli will forever remain in the hearts of his colleagues, students, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to work and interact with him. His scientific legacy, wisdom, and selfless service to the profession will remain a worthy example for future generations.

The staff of the Kazakh Scientific Center of Dermatology and Infectious Diseases expresses its sincere and deep condolences to the family and friends of Mustafa Rysuli. We mourn with you and share the grief of this irreparable loss.

The new equipment makes it possible to significantly increase the volume of automated HIV tests, reduce the time required for laboratory tests and improve the accuracy of the results. The introduction of modern technologies helps to increase the efficiency of the laboratory and ensures timely diagnosis of HIV infection.

In addition, the center has commissioned a new generation Mindray BriCyte E6 flow cytometer designed for high-precision automated analysis of CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD45 cell populations. The use of a modern cytometer makes it possible to quickly and accurately determine the immunological status of patients, which is of key importance when monitoring people living with HIV, evaluating the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and making timely clinical decisions.

"Equipping the center with modern automated equipment is an important step in the development of the laboratory service. The commissioning of the LIAISON XL analyzer made it possible to increase the volume of HIV infection tests performed on automated equipment, and the use of the Mindray BriCyte E6 flow cytometer significantly expanded the possibilities of immunological diagnostics. This helps to increase laboratory productivity, ensures high-quality research and allows timely detection of HIV infection, as well as effective monitoring of the immune system of patients," said Gulmira Kulzhanova, head of the diagnostic laboratory.

The development of the material and technical base of the center is one of the priority areas of work aimed at improving diagnostics, increasing the effectiveness of preventive measures and providing the population with modern medical technologies. The introduction of automated laboratory systems meets modern healthcare requirements and contributes to further improving the quality of medical care in the region.

The residents are future dermatovenerologists and dermatocosmetologists. These specialists are in high demand today, as a number of regions across the country are experiencing a severe shortage. A dermatovenerologist is a versatile physician who specializes in a wide range of skin and venereal diseases. They treat skin, hair, and nail diseases, as well as sexually transmitted infections.

After completing their residency, graduates will be able to provide qualified medical care to both adults and children. Their training focuses not only on treatment but also on prevention, which is especially important.
The KNCDIZ offers excellent training conditions: a modern scientific base, an experienced teaching staff, innovative technologies, and access to cutting-edge medical equipment.

We wish our residents success in passing their final state certification!

 Akmaral Akberdi, an epidemiologist at the Turkestan Regional HIV Prevention Center, spoke about the value of health and the importance of personal responsibility. Participants received information about transmission routes and protection measures against HIV infection.

 Special attention was paid to the importance of rapid testing for the timely detection of HIV infection at an early stage. The participants were also told how to undergo voluntary and confidential testing at the HIV prevention center and youth health centers at city polyclinics.

  And at the end of the event, the participants were able to correctly indicate the answers in the questionnaire on their knowledge. Information and educational materials on HIV prevention were also distributed to the participants.