The number of adherents of pre-exposure HIV prevention (PREP) is growing every year in the country, from five thousand last year to 11 thousand people this year. PREP or PrEP is an effective way to prevent HIV transmission, provided it is regularly used by people without HIV.
"PREP consists of taking the drug tenofovir/emtricitabine daily. Worldwide studies show that PrEP drugs reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 99%. Drugs can be obtained free of charge and confidentially from regional HIV prevention centers and non-governmental public organizations.
Migrants can buy in pharmacies by prescription from doctors of HIV prevention centers or private medical centers," said Ulugbek Medeubekov, Acting Director of the Kazakh Scientific Center for Dermatology and Infectious Diseases of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KNCDIZ).
As is known, HIV in the country is spread mainly in key population groups. Therefore, PREP is relevant primarily for risk groups, including people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers, trans people, discordant couples (one of the partners with HIV).
PREP has been available since 2023 through a number of friendly NGOs that provide drugs through medical professionals, two of them have received a medical license. The joint activities of doctors and equal navigators from among NGOs are actively carried out through chatbots, websites, social networks and outreach work.
Since last year, registration for those wishing to take PREP has been simplified in the country: only a negative HIV test result and screening of HIV symptoms are required. This is a significant plus for increasing the motivation of those who have not yet decided to take PrEP.
From November 20 to December 1 (World AIDS Day), the country will host a campaign under the UNAIDS motto "Choose the right path – the path of human rights". Respect for the rights of everyone is the basis for an effective response to HIV. This World AIDS Day is a call to action to protect everyone's health through the protection of everyone's rights.
Kazakhstan is constantly improving national legislation on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy is provided at the expense of the State. An HIV test can be taken at the clinic at the place of attachment or at the regional HIV Prevention Center confidentially, free of charge and, if desired, anonymously.
During the campaign, by December 1, actions, round tables, flash mobs and other events will be held in all regions of the country to promote knowledge about HIV prevention, prevention of stigma and discrimination against people affected by HIV. Open Days for the population will be held in regional HIV Prevention Centers. Everyone will be able to get expert advice and get tested for HIV.
On November 26, an international scientific and practical conference "Innovative measures for HIV prevention and treatment: policy, research, practice" will be held in Almaty. This event with the participation of well-known international and domestic experts will be an important step towards strengthening sanitary and epidemiological control and improving modern approaches to the prevention of HIV, concomitant, as well as dermatovenereological diseases.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/dsm/press/news/details/885012