With the entry into force of the new Constitution, a new stage in the development of the state's social policy begins, where human health is consolidated as one of the key national priorities. One of the most important constitutional principles is the volume of medical care guaranteed by the state.

Basic medical care is provided to all citizens, regardless of their insurance status in the compulsory social health insurance system.

In accordance with the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Health of the people and the healthcare system", medical care for HIV infection is provided within the framework of the GOBMP.

The number of HIV tests has grown from about 3.1 million in 2020 to 4,947,736 in 2025, which corresponds to the testing coverage of 22.4% of the country's population. On average, about 412 thousand studies are conducted per month, or about 13-14 thousand daily.

After the growth observed in the post-covid period, 3,426 new HIV cases were registered in 2025, which is approximately the same as in 2020. According to operational data, 1,343 new cases were registered in the first five months of 2026, which is 12.6% less than in the same period last year.

Rapid testing is expanding in the country, the number of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy is increasing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is developing, and modern digital patient support technologies are being introduced.

The clinical protocol combines the issues of diagnosis and treatment of early, late, congenital syphilis and preventive treatment. Previously, these areas were considered in separate clinical protocols. Combining them into one regulatory document will optimize the access of medical professionals to up-to-date information on various forms of the disease and ensure a unified approach to patient management, which is consistent with international practice.

The updated protocol details the diagnostic criteria for syphilis, including clinical, laboratory, and instrumental approaches. Special attention is paid to the mandatory examination of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of syphilis for HIV infection.

A separate important section of the protocol was post—exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline - DOXYPCP. The inclusion of this approach makes it possible to regulate the use of preventive measures, taking into account current data, as well as the need for the rational use of antibacterial drugs.

The protocol pays special attention to the management of pregnant women with syphilis. The document includes an algorithm for desensitization to penicillin in pregnant women with syphilis. This is of fundamental importance, since penicillin remains the only drug proven effective for the treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and the prevention of congenital syphilis.

The implementation of the protocol will improve the timeliness of syphilis detection, ensure the rational use of medicines, improve patient routing, and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, including neurosyphilis, visual organ damage, sexual transmission, and cases of congenital syphilis.

Almaty specialists presented a special online platform hivtest to their colleagues.kz, describing the mechanism of its operation and the results of its implementation. The service allows you to self-test for HIV for free, anonymously and confidentially, receive detailed instructions on how to perform the test, and, if necessary, seek medical advice. According to the staff of the center, this format significantly increases the availability of diagnosis and promotes earlier detection of HIV infection.
The resource was created with the aim of making testing as simple, convenient and safe as possible for the public, including key groups. In addition, the online platform helps reduce the impact of stigma and discrimination, increases public awareness of HIV and prevention measures, and promotes the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
One of the main advantages, users say, is the ability to get tested at home — without waiting lists, making an appointment, or visiting a medical facility. This is especially important for people who, for various reasons, postpone seeking medical help.
During the meeting, experts from Thailand and Kazakhstan discussed modern approaches to HIV prevention, issues of increasing adherence to testing, effective methods of informing the public and the development of digital medical services. Special attention was paid to the exchange of practical experience, the introduction of innovative solutions and the use of international recommendations in the field of public health.
The specialists of the AIDS Center in Almaty noted that early detection of HIV makes it possible to start antiretroviral therapy in a timely manner, maintain a high quality of life and significantly reduce the risk of further transmission of infection. That is why expanding access to testing remains one of the key areas of preventive work.

On July 1, 2026, the new head was introduced to the center's staff by Nariman Yermek, Head of the Akmola Region Health Department.

Rustem Salkyuly is a highest-category surgeon, a first-category healthcare manager, and a Candidate of Medical Sciences specializing in Public Health.

He was born on October 24, 1977, in the city of Makinsk, Akmola Region. In 2002, he graduated from the Kazakh State Medical Academy with a degree in General Medicine, and in 2003 completed his internship in Surgery. From 2005 to 2007, he completed his clinical residency at the same institution. In 2023, he completed postgraduate studies at the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy.

He began his professional career in 2003 as a surgeon at the Kokshetau City Hospital. From 2009 to 2014, he was engaged in organizational and practical healthcare management activities, progressing from Chief Surgeon of the region to Head of a Department of the Health Department, overseeing medical and preventive services, licensing, and pharmaceutical policy. He also headed the Ereymentau Central District Hospital and the Kokshetau Higher Medical College. His total work experience in the healthcare system exceeds 23 years.

As noted by Nariman Yermek, Head of the Health Department, Rustem Salkyulyhas extensive experience in practical medicine, scientific research, and organizational and managerial activities.

In addition, the new head has been tasked with the further implementation of strategically important initiatives in the field of HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in the region. Among the priorities are improving the material and technical resources of the medical organization and further enhancing the system of providing qualified medical care to the population.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Head of the Health Department wished him success in his work, achievement of the goals set, and fruitful activity for the benefit of the health of the region's residents.

During the meeting, the participants were told about the ways of HIVtransmission, modern methods of prevention, as well as the importance of a responsible attitude to their health. Special attention was paid to timelytesting and early detection of infection. Experts answered the participants' questions in detail, dispelled common myths about HIV and emphasizedthat reliable information is an important tool for preventing the disease andreducing discrimination against people living with HIV. 

At the end of the information meeting, everyone took a voluntary rapid test.The procedure took only a few minutes, and the results werecommunicated to each participant individually with confidentiality. One ofthe participants of the event noted: "Taking an HIV test is an importantmanifestation of each person's responsible attitude to their health. Keepingour health under control and taking care of the well-being of our loved ones is important for all of us."

Beybit Zhamantayevich Sagimbayev, Director of the Regional Center for HIVPrevention and Control, was named the winner in the "Best HealthcareAdministrator" category. The prize of 1 million tenge served as a well-deservedrecognition of his 15 years of dedication and systemic approach to addressingthe challenges set by the healthcare system for the HIV prevention service.

Over these years, under his leadership, the center has evolved into a modern, well-equipped facility, which is critical for a region where the epidemiologicalsituation demands heightened attention. Effective management has unifiedoperations across Karaganda, Temirtau, and Balkhash into a cohesive system, bringing the situation under control. Thanks to his ability to competentlycoordinate team actions, delegate tasks, and drive staff efforts toward results, the growth dynamics of infection rates have been maintained at a stable level.

The center features a state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory, enabling high-precision testing within tight timeframes and ensuring prompt initiation oftreatment. A notably significant milestone was Beybit Zhamantayevich’sinitiative to introduce an online system for retrieving test results. Thisinnovation spared patients from having to visit the center twice, making thediagnostic process as convenient and confidential as possible.

The scale of the achieved results is reflected in the figures: 90% of people livingwith HIV in the region know their status; of those, 93% receive antiretroviraltherapy, and 93% of patients live with a suppressed viral load, which is a keyperformance indicator of medical care quality. In the past year of 2025 alone, about 350,000 people underwent HIV screening. The rate of verticaltransmission of HIV has been reduced to zero.

The success of the Regional AIDS Center is largely attributed to BeybitZhamantayevich’s management style, which combines the talent of a strategistwith the humanity of a mentor. He possesses a rare ability to inspire his teamtoward goals, balancing a principled approach to professional objectives withdeep humanism and empathy toward people. It is due to this managerialexcellence that the center has become an exemplary institution where efficient, streamlined operations always prioritize genuine patient care and heartfeltsupport.

Beybit Zhamantayevich himself emphasizes that this award is not just a personal achievement, but a recognition of the contribution of every singleemployee. It is teamwork, cohesion, and dedication to a shared cause that havemade such remarkable results possible.

The presentation of the Regional Akim’s Award marks a natural milestone inBeybit Zhamantayevich Sagimbayev’s years of hard work, proving that truesuccess in healthcare is built upon the synergy of modern technology, highprofessionalism, and sincere human compassion.

, I sincerely congratulate you on a truly epoch–making event - the entry into force of the New Constitution of our country!

Today marks the beginning of a new era in the history of sovereign Kazakhstan. We are embarking on a major path of progressive progress, political and economic reforms, and large-scale modernization.

This day marks a fundamental restructuring of the political system, the transformation of key institutions of the state and civil society.

At the national referendum on March 15, the people of Kazakhstan made a fateful choice that determined the horizons of the state's development for many decades to come. This historic decision will forever remain in the annals of the country as a vivid example of genuine patriotism and high civic responsibility of millions of our compatriots.

It is deeply symbolic that Constitution Day is now inextricably linked with the beginning of the decade of Nauryznam. The landmark date harmoniously combines the centuries–old traditions of the spring renaissance with the fundamental principles of the New Basic Law - the desire for civic solidarity, advanced knowledge and conscientious work for the benefit of the Motherland.

I am convinced that relying on the unshakable legal foundation of a truly national Constitution, we will surely achieve all our goals and establish in society the creative values of Law and Order, Diligence and Progress, Purity and Love of Nature.

Having united into an indestructible monolith of national unity, we will certainly conquer the peaks of world civilization and build a Just Kazakhstan – a state of equal opportunities and comprehensive development of all citizens without exception!

I express my confidence in the ultimate success of the outlined plans leading to the prosperity of our Fatherland.

Long live the Republic of Kazakhstan!

Long live our people!

The main purpose of the seminar was to improve healthcare professionals’ awareness of early HIV detection, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and enhance the clinical vigilance of specialists providing medical care to patients with anorectal diseases.

During the seminar, participants were presented with data on the HIV epidemiological situation in the West Kazakhstan Region. The program also covered the characteristics of HIV detection among men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as the clinical manifestations of sexually transmitted infections that proctologists may encounter in their daily practice.

Particular attention was paid to the timely referral of patients for HIV testing when clinically indicated, patient referral pathways, and cooperation between healthcare organizations at different levels. Participants were introduced to clinical management algorithms for patients with suspicious clinical signs and discussed opportunities for collaboration between the HIV Prevention Center, proctologists, specialists of male examination rooms, and public and private healthcare organizations.

In addition, participants were introduced to the experience of cooperation between the HIV Prevention Center and a non-governmental organization implementing a Global Fund-supported project aimed at expanding access to HIV prevention services and HIV testing for key populations. The important role of intersectoral collaboration in improving the effectiveness of early HIV detection was also highlighted.

The event was held as part of the continuing medical education program and timed to coincide with World Vitiligo Day. It was attended by more than 280 specialists, scientists and young doctors from all regions of Kazakhstan, as well as Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Uzbekistan.
The conference has been held annually since 2015 and has become a significant platform for professional exchange of experience. It was here that the methods of treating skin diseases were first presented, which later became recognized as advanced. For example, at one of the previous forums, an innovative method of treating vitiligo was presented - narrowband phototherapy, which is now successfully used in practice.
KNCDIZ specialists, together with the Center for Vitiligo and Skin Health, have become leaders in Central Asia in the use of epidermal cell transplantation in the treatment of vitiligo. Such an operation, based on the transplantation of the patient's own healthy skin, is considered one of the most effective in the world in the treatment of patients today.
Thanks to these advanced methods, the incidence of vitiligo in Kazakhstan has decreased by almost 1.2 times over the past six years. To improve the situation in the country for other skin diseases, in accordance with the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Health of the People and the Healthcare System", six clinical protocols are being updated this year, including syphilis, psoriasis, and scabies.
Good results are demonstrated in medical institutions by specialized offices with related specialists of the dermatovenerological service: podologist, trichologist, dentist. The offices of dermatosurgery, dermatooncology, psychodermatology and the office of sexual health have become in demand among patients.
Educational innovations of recent years are aimed at improving the quality of specialist training. There is a specialized residency program in dermatovenerology based on advanced international standards. The development of a distance learning program for medical professionals on modern aspects of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of STIs and a web portal are at the completion stage. Modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of STIs have been integrated into the curricula of secondary specialized, post-secondary higher, additional and postgraduate medical education.
A school for young specialists with the participation of residents of the KSCDIZ worked at the conference site, where individual clinical cases and disease features were discussed. Within the framework of the event, consultations of patients with vitiligo and chronic severe dermatoses were held, organizational and methodological assistance was provided to specialists of the Aktobe regional Skin and venereological dispensary.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that manifests itself as discolored spots on the face and body. It affects about 1% of the world's population. The disease does not pose a threat to life and does not cause physical harm, but it often seriously affects the psychoemotional state of patients. The disease can develop at any age, but most often before the age of 20.
Every year, more than 15,000 patients with this diagnosis come to the country's dermatological institutions.

Specialists of the Municipal State Enterprise on the Right of Economic Management “Regional HIV Prevention Center” of the Health Department of Zhetysu Region conducted a seminar at the Koksu Central District Hospital as part of non-formal training for healthcare workers.

The event was organized in accordance with the Roadmap for the Implementation of HIV Prevention Measures in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023–2026, approved by Order No. 155 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 16, 2023.

The training was attended by physicians and mid-level healthcare professionals from primary healthcare and inpatient medical organizations of the region.

During the seminar, participants discussed issues related to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection, syphilis, and hepatitis C virus, as well as the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of HIV infection. Particular attention was paid to the management of patients with HIV-associated and coexisting diseases, including coinfections.

Deputy Director for Medical Affairs Aiman Kaliyeva presented an overview of the HIV epidemiological situation in the region as of June 24, 2026.

“Over recent years, the region has demonstrated a decline in the rate of vertical HIV transmission. For the Zhetysu Region, maintaining these achievements and preventing new cases remain important priorities. The effectiveness of preventive measures largely depends on the professional competence, vigilance, and coordinated work of healthcare workers,” she noted.

To date, 364 healthcare workers in the region have completed non-formal training and received corresponding certificates. In accordance with the approved schedule, training activities aimed at improving the professional knowledge and skills of healthcare workers will continue to be held on a monthly basis until the end of the year, with certificates awarded to participants upon completion.