Örken East Kazakhstan Regional Scientific and Methodological Center for Informatization and Education Development of Education Administration of East Kazakhstan region hosted an important awareness lesson on “HIV prevention”. The lesson was delivered in the format of an interview with Ayaulym E. Aukeneva, Head of the Prevention Department of the AIDS Center. The relevant and socially significant topic attracted the attention of students, teachers and parents. The lesson was informative and engaging.

Ayaulym E. Aukeneva began the lesson by explaining the key concepts. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that affects the immune system, and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is its final stage. It is important to understand that HIV and AIDS are not the same thing, and early diagnosis of HIV is crucial in preventing the progression to AIDS.

The speaker identified three main ways of HIV transmission:

1. Sexual transmission: through unprotected sex (heterosexual and homosexual) without the use of barrier contraceptives such as condoms.
2. Parenteral transmission: through blood, for example, needle sharing for drugs.
3. Vertical transmission: from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Ayaulym E. Aukeneva clarified that HIV is not transmitted by airborne droplets, through saliva, tears, sweat, shared utensils, bedding or insect bites. Unfortunately, these myths are still widespread due to lack of awareness. 

One of the objectives of the lesson was to deflate the myths about HIV. Many people mistakenly believe that they can get infected through household contact or insect bites. Ayaulym E. Aukeneva noted that such misconceptions arise from unreliable sources of information. To counteract this misinformation, the AIDS Center conducts school, college, and university lectures, as well as HIV testing campaigns.  

The speaker said that East Kazakhstan region is among the three regions of Kazakhstan with a high incidence of HIV. Prevalence of HIV refers to the percentage of people ages 15-49 who are infected with HIV, including teenagers, students and working adults. Ayaulym E. Aukeneva emphasized that HIV does not discriminate based on occupation or social status - people from different fields, including healthcare, education and law enforcement agencies, can become infected.

The only reliable way to find out your HIV status is to get tested. There are two methods:

• Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA): venous blood, results in 24 hours.
• Rapid tests: fingertip blood or saliva, results in 15 minutes. The accuracy of the rapid tests is 95%, but a positive result requires confirmation by ELISA.

HIV tests are free and available in clinics and specialized centers. They can also be ordered online via social networks (for example, Instagram) with delivery via pharmacies, lockers or couriers, which makes testing convenient and confidential.

Ayaulym E. Aukeneva noted that HIV is often asymptomatic, and a person may go 10-15 years without knowing it. Therefore, regular testing is essential. She also raised the issue of stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV, which discourages them from seeking help. The AIDS Center is actively fighting for this by offering psychological counseling and promoting tolerance.

Though a complete cure for HIV does not yet exist, antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables those living with HIV to lead full lives. With regular treatment, the viral load becomes undetectable, eliminating the risk of transmission and allowing women with HIV to have healthy children.

Prevention measures include:

• Avoiding unprotected sex and use condoms.
• Refrain from using injection drugs.
• Get tested for HIV (at least once a year).
• Register for prenatal care early during pregnancy.

The lesson with Ayaulym E. Aukeneva became an important step in informing schoolchildren about HIV infection. She emphasized that knowledge is the best defense: “Forewarned means armed.” The participants thanked the guest for insightful and informative discussion that helped them understand how to protect themselves and their loved ones from HIV, as well as dispel myths and fears related to this topic.  

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/vko-bilim/press/news/details/1074942?lang=kk