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 meeting presents the results of the "Analysis of Barriers for the Implementation of Express Testing on the Basis of NGOs in the Republic of Kazakhstan". Also, further joint actions of the interested partners - the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republican Center for AIDS Prevention and Control, international organizations (ICAP, CDC, PSI) and NGO representatives were discussed.

- Today in Kazakhstan there is no legal basis for the introduction of rapid HIV testing on the basis of NGOs. And this resource that can significantly increase the coverage of those tested for HIV. Now, in the countries of Europe and Central Asia, on average, every third person living with HIV is unaware of their status, and every second HIV-positive person is diagnosed late, "said Nurali Amanzholov, President of the ULA" Kazakhstan Union of People Living with HIV ".

     In many regions of the Republic, NGOs are actively working, which implement projects to assist and support groups at high risk of HIV infection. HIV testing is one of the key factors in the effectiveness of these projects. Therefore, the availability of this service on the basis of these organizations will help only to increase the coverage of HIV tested and will also improve the quality of projects being implemented.

 The participation of the civil society in this meeting is funded by the EHRN project Harm Reduction Works: Ensure Funding!