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Kazakhstan's Rising HIV Crisis: A Call for Action

The Kazakhstan Association on Sexual and Reproductive Health (KMPA) is at the forefront of the battle against HIV.

On World AIDS Day, we commemorate the remarkable achievements of IPPF Member Associations in their unwavering commitment to combating the HIV epidemic. Their tireless efforts have significantly expanded access to prevention, sexual and reproductive health services, and rights, transforming the lives of countless individuals worldwide.

One of the key achievements of IPPF Member Associations has been their ability to expand access to essential sexual and reproductive health services through innovative approaches to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. By establishing comprehensive service delivery networks and building the capacity of healthcare providers, they have ensured that individuals can access the care they need, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.

 

Kazakhstan is facing an urgent public health challenge as the number of HIV infections continues to rise. Over the past decade, the number of people living with HIV has doubled, now surpassing 31,000 individuals. The primary driver of this surge is sexual transmission, which accounts for an alarming 74% of cases.

One of the most pressing issues is the high rate of undetected HIV infections. This gap poses significant challenges to implementing effective prevention and control measures. Although testing and treatment services are readily available, deep-rooted societal stigma keeps many from accessing them—particularly young people and key populations who are most vulnerable.

Addressing this crisis means confronting the stigma head-on. Reducing the shame and fear surrounding HIV testing is crucial to fostering a culture where individuals feel safe and empowered to seek diagnosis and treatment. By promoting awareness, open conversation, and a supportive environment, we can help break down barriers to care and encourage people to take charge of their health. Only through collective effort can Kazakhstan turn the tide on HIV and prevent its further spread.

 

Fighting the HIV Pandemic: KMPA's Pioneering Efforts

The Kazakhstan Association on Sexual and Reproductive Health (KMPA) is at the forefront of the battle against HIV. In collaboration with the AIDS Center of Astana City, Chevron Munaigaz Inc., and the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP) as well as NGOs working with key population in Astana and youth friendly centers, since August 2023, KMPA has launched two groundbreaking initiatives:

HIV Self-Testing in Astana

By empowering individuals to take control of their health, KMPA is making significant strides in early HIV detection. The IPPF Member Association launched an online HIV self-test service (www.hivtest.kz). This web service was designed to help those who may be at risk of HIV infection and wish to undergo testing on their own terms - at a convenient time and place.

“HIVTEST.kz is simple, fast, convenient and most importantly, free and completely confidential” explains the Kazakhstan Association on Sexual and Reproductive Health

HIVTEST is an innovative intervention implemented in three cities of Kazakhstan, two cities of Kyrgyzstan and Dushanbe (Tajikistan), and now also in Astana.

The self-test kits are available free of charge via the online platform. They contain Rapid OraQuick HIV self-tests, detailed information about the testing process and educational videos on HIV and reference information, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP),  information on the benefits of early onset and preventive effects of antiretroviral therapy, as well as partner notification services. There are several ways to collect the self-tests: through terminals for the delivery of parcels, couriers, at the AIDS Centre and in NGOs. After self-testing, the SMS messaging system helps people report test results and contact a medical institution for confirming testing and treatment. Since August 2023, 2 000 orders were completed. The people who got a positive test results got psychological support of KMPA specialist and were refereed to Astana National AIDS Center for confirmatory testing, treatment and peer support.

This digital approach particularly targets young people and enable to expand their access to HIV testing in a safe and confident manner. To better reach a young audience, KMPA promotes this website through advertising. KMPA promoted the HIVST service through targeted advertising posted on Instagram and Facebook.  SMM-specialist from NGO reached closed communities as men who have sex with men, trans and gender diverse people to reach closed communities. KMPA SMM-specialist appealed to some influencers and when they posted the information about the project on their account, it increased considerably the interest in the project and number of people willing to do a self-test.

Through the "HIV self-testing" project, KMPA is expanding access to testing services and reducing stigma associated via an innovative digital approach for young people.

Self-testing kits

Combating HIV-Related Stigma

KMPA Workshop

KMPA decided to launch the "No to HIV-related stigma" project in Astana because of the rapid changes and growing challenges the city has been facing. Indeed, Astana is a rapidly growing city in Kazakhstan with a big proportion of young people who tend to engage in risky behaviors, which threatens their sexual and reproductive health. This is due not only to the psychophysiological characteristics of adolescent development, but also to the low level of comprehensive sexual education.

Moreover, young people, especially people who use drugs, and members of the LGBTQI+ community, frequently face stigma and discrimination, which further prevent young individuals from seeking professional help from healthcare workers and being tested for HIV.

Unfortunately, even health care workers stigmatize people living with HIV and stigma contributes to a high rate of undiagnosed HIV cases and are a significant barrier to controlling the spread of the virus.

Zero tolerance to HIV-related stigma and discrimination and increased consulting skills are the focus of special training sessions organized for the Astana Youth friendly health centers staff.

KMPA's "No to HIV-related stigma" project aims to challenge societal norms and create a more inclusive environment for people living with HIV. By working with key populations and youth-friendly centers, KMPA is raising awareness, dispelling myths, and promoting empathy.

In the vibrant city of Astana, KMPA is spearheading a multifaceted project that seeks to bring positive change and awareness in three impactful ways:

First, it engages with the city’s young minds—pupils and students—through educational programs focused on reproductive health and HIV. These initiatives aim to break down misconceptions and combat stigma related to HIV, fostering an informed and inclusive community among the youth.

Second, KMPA collaborates closely with health providers from Astana’s youth-friendly health centers and local clinics. The goal: to reduce stigma and discrimination related to HIV within healthcare settings. By training and sensitizing health workers, KMPA aims to create a supportive environment for those seeking care.

Lastly, building on the foundation laid by the successful “Self-testing for HIV in Astana” project, KMPA continues to expand access to vital services. Through an online platform for home HIV self-test kits (HIVST), the organization offers a discreet and convenient way for key populations and young people to take charge of their health.

This comprehensive approach ensures that awareness, support, and accessibility work hand-in-hand to transform the landscape of HIV prevention and care in Astana.

KMPA Workshop

when

country

Kazakhstan

region

European Network

Subject

HIV and STIs

Related Member Association

Kazakhstan Association on Sexual and Reproductive Health (KMPA)

As KMPA looks to the future, exciting plans are already in motion to build on their impactful work:

Over the next three months, KMPA will focus on strengthening its project efforts, with particular attention to preparing comprehensive training sessions for students at colleges and universities throughout the capital. These sessions will aim to empower young people with essential knowledge and tools on reproductive health and HIV prevention.

In tandem with this, preparations are underway for International AIDS Day. This important event will be marked with a range of activities designed to raise awareness, foster community solidarity, and continue the fight against stigma.

KMPA is also aiming to expand its reach. The organization has submitted a project proposal to Chevron, seeking support to extend its educational initiatives to Almaty. This would include training for youth-friendly health center staff in both Almaty and Astana, enhancing their expertise in reproductive health and counseling. By boosting the skills of these health professionals, KMPA hopes to ensure that young people receive the youth-oriented, compassionate health services they need.

The road ahead is ambitious, but it’s paved with KMPA’s unwavering commitment to improving health education and services for the youth of Kazakhstan.