In Kazakhstan, about 30% of PLHWA do not know about their positive status of HIV

Almaty, Kazakhstan - August 4, 2016, OYL "Kazakhstan Union of People Living with HIV" as part of USAID's "Initiative to Support Effective Governance" / PEPFAR project "Access to rapid HIV testing on the basis of NGOs in Kazakhstan" "KazSoyuz PLHIV" holds a working meeting to discuss access to rapid HIV testing on the basis of NGOs in Kazakhstan.

The purpose of this meeting was to unite efforts between state structures, international organizations and the civil sector in the implementation of rapid HIV testing services by NGOs. The meeting will present the results of the "Analysis of barriers for the introduction of rapid testing on the basis of NGOs in the RK." It is also planned to discuss further joint actions of interested partners - the Minister of Health and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Center for AIDS Prevention and Control, international organizations (ICAP, CDC, PSI) and NGO representatives.

- Today in Kazakhstan there is no legal basis for the introduction of rapid HIV testing on the basis of NGOs. And this is the resource that can significantly increase the coverage of those tested for HIV. Now, in the countries of Europe and Central Asia, on average, every third person living with HIV is unaware of their status, and every second HIV-positive person is diagnosed late, "said Nurali Amanzholov, President of the ULA" Kazakhstan Union of People Living with HIV ".

In many regions of the Republic, NGOs are actively working, which implement projects to assist and support groups at high risk of HIV infection. HIV testing is one of the key factors in the effectiveness of these projects. Therefore, the availability of this service on the basis of these organizations will help not only to increase the coverage of HIV tested, but will also improve the quality of projects being implemented.

Unification of Legal Entities "Kazakhstan Union of PLWH" - in 2005, organizations created by PLHIV and their families united to develop long-term cooperation with the government, civil society and business of the Republic of Kazakhstan in providing PLHIV and their relatives with a decent quality of life, including access to quality prevention services , treatment, care and support in connection with HIV infection.

For more information, please call + 7 727 225-78-38, + 7 705 571-17-25, and email: lyubovchubukova@gmail.com. Accreditation for the media is mandatory!