Observing World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the general public and the government that HIV remains one of the greatest health challenges and there is still a need to fundraise, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education. The UNAIDS theme for 2011 World AIDS Day is “Getting to Zero – Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.”

 

The USAID Dialogue on HIV and TB Project conducted numerous events to mark World AIDS Day in five Central Asian countries. Below are the highlights of the events conducted in each country:

 

Kazakhstan

 

The USAID Dialogue on HIV and TB Project in close collaboration with the Republican AIDS Center and the ORLEU Project, organized several events to observe World AIDS Day in Almaty on November 27, 2011. Edutainment events were conducted for such most-at-risk populations as sex workers, injecting drug users, men who have sex with men, people living with HIV and at-risk youth in order to raise awareness of the HIV prevalence in Kazakhstan. Several competitions on Best Knowledge of HIV among teams were organized, which were followed by mini-sessions on HIV prevention. A similar edutainment event at an ice-skating rink was organized in Karaganda.

The USAID Dialogue on HIV and TB Project, in collaboration with the Global Fund, UNAIDS and other organizations, co-funded a Festival of Talent, Humor and Beauty in Almaty on December 1. Six teams comprising university students and at-risk youth, as well as the regional finalists of the Miss Kazakhstan Beauty Contest, participated in the festival organized to observe World AIDS Day. The festival tried to overcome existing stereotypes and reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. Popular bands and artists performed and encouraged young people to lead healthy lifestyles and to adopt safe behavior practices.

 

Kyrgyzstan

 

The USAID Dialogue on HIV and TB Project organized an event to observe World AIDS Day for those most at risk of contracting HIV on December 1, 2011, in Chui oblast. The event was conducted in close collaboration with representatives of local authorities and non-governmental organizations, in order to raise awareness of the HIV prevalence in Kyrgyzstan. The event united injecting drug users, local administration, NGOs, prevention program outreach workers and others in the fight against HIV. Throughout the event, information was provided on HIV prevention, its symptoms and ways of transmission as well as the importance of forming adherence to HIV treatment. Participants also learned about the harm reduction programs available in the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as the history of World AIDS Day and the red ribbon as the symbol of solidarity of people living with HIV. Several edutainment events financed by the USAID Dialogue on HIV and TB Project were also conducted specifically for injecting drug users and sex workers in Osh oblast and Jalal-Abad.

 

Tajikistan

 

The USAID Dialogue on HIV and TB Project, organized a public campaign devoted to World AIDS Day in Dushanbe from December 1-6, 2011. The six day campaign included several events, providing a unique opportunity for both youth and those most at risk of contracting HIV to be familiarized with the impact of HIV/AIDS and to unite in the fight against HIV. The event participants had the opportunity to obtain a referral voucher to health facilities for HIV testing to promote the use of HIV prevention, diagnostics and treatment services. The campaign included sports and drawing competitions and quizzes on HIV issues. The most active participants were awarded with prizes. Similar events to mark World AIDS Day in Vahdat, Khujand, Qurghonteppa and Kulob were organized in close collaboration with both governmental and non-governmental organizations and were financed by USAID.

 

Uzbekistan

 

The USAID Dialogue on HIV and TB Project, organized several events to observe World AIDS Day in Tashkent city on December 2-4, 2011. Together in the fight against HIV, activities were held at the Tashkent City AIDS Center for such most-at-risk populations as sex workers and injecting drug users. The aim of the World AIDS Day events was to improve access of injecting drug users and sex workers to HIV and tuberculosis (TB) services. Medical workers gained information about HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS counseling, as well as TB and sexually transmitted infections (STI). They also learned more about the provision of voluntary HIV counseling and testing services and STI services to injecting drug users and sex workers. In addition, prior to marking World AIDS Day, training for journalists was conducted with the intention of familiarizing them with the history of observing the event, as well as the use of correct terminology when referring to target groups in publicity materials.            

 

Turkmenistan

 

The USAID Dialogue on HIV and TB Project, organized Two Edutainment Events to observe World AIDS Day in Ashgabat and Dashoguz cities on December 1, 2011. Together in the fight against HIV, activities were held at the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan for outreach workers, working with injecting drug users. Outreach workers and health services providers gained information about HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS counseling, as well as TB and sexually transmitted infections (STI). They also learned more about the provision of voluntary HIV counseling and testing services and STI services to injecting drug users.