Bishkek, Dec. 17, 2024. / Kabar /. Over 100 people gathered in Osh city for the youth forum “Kalkalaim” (I protect) to enhance awareness about HIV prevention, combating stigma and reproductive health among Kyrgyzstani youth using a peer-to-peer approach. Novyi Ritm Public Fund organized the event under the slogan "I protect you and wish you good health”. The U.S. government supported the initiative through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project.
Speakers at the event included Ulukbek Motorov from the Osh Regional Center for Bloodborne Viral Hepatitis and HIV, who shared insights on HIV prevention, and Tynchtyk Bakytov, a psychologist who addressed supporting people living with HIV and combating stigma.
Forum participants tried HIV self-testing kits to check their HIV status and received consultations and handouts on HIV, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI), and sexual and reproductive health. Additionally, organizers explained how to get HIV self-testing kits for free through the website www.epictest.live and the network of 42 "Neman-Pharm" pharmacies in Bishkek and Osh cities, and Chui and Osh oblasts, as well as automated Tashtamats (post lockers) in Bishkek and Osh cities.
This year, the "Kalkalaim" forum inspired youth leadership and encouraged public dialogue and advocacy through educational sessions, creative activism, and multimedia. The "Kalkalaim Manifest" media campaign encouraged participants to share support on social media with specific hashtags, awarding a prize for the best post to promote solidarity and youth engagement in social change.
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