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 preliminary results of the development of a methodical guide on the algorithm for conducting HIV counseling and testing using rapid tests on the basis of NGOs. The recommendations developed by the working group on the introduction of key documents regulating access to HIV testing on the basis of NGOs in the Republic of Kazakhstan and 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, TsIGZCA) and NGO representatives.

- Today in Kazakhstan there is no legal basis for the introduction of rapid HIV testing on the basis of NGOs. And this is the 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 not only to increase the coverage of HIV tested, but will also improve the quality of projects being implemented.