Results of discussion on access to HIV rapid testing at NGOs in Kazakhstan

On August 4, 2016, the Union of Kazakhstani People Living with HIV within the framework of the USAID "IPEU" / PEPFAR program on the project "Access to rapid HIV testing on the basis of NGOs in Kazakhstan", implemented by association "KazSoyuz PLHIV" in cooperation with EFCA conducted 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 event was attended by 26 people.

A presentation on the epidemiological situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan was made by Zh. Musina, head of the HIV / AIDS prevention department of the Republican Center for AIDS Prevention and Control. The results of the "Analysis of Barriers for the Implementation of Rapid Testing on the Basis of NGOs in the Republic of Kazakhstan" were presented by the expert, the head of the "Republican Center for Prevention and Control of AIDS" S. Kasymbekova.

As a result of the working meeting, a working group was formed to develop and implement key documents that regulate access to HIV testing on the basis of NGOs in the Republic of Kazakhstan and a plan for its activities that includes:

- Preparation of the main list of documents for implementation of the main documents regulating access to HIV testing on the basis of NGOs in the Republic of Kazakhstan - based on the analysis.

- Recommendations and comments on the development of the Manual on the algorithm for conducting HIV counseling and testing using rapid tests on the basis of NGOs.

- Preparation of the draft order of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection on the introduction of universal rapid HIV testing, including on the basis of NGOs, and the approval of a methodical manual developed within the framework of the project.