 The initiative of carrying out of PLWH Forum in Kazakhstan belongs to Public Foundation “Kazakhstan PLWH Union” - nongovernmental organization established in 2004 and officially registered in July 2005. The organizations created by PLWH and their relatives and friends teamed up for development of long-term cooperation with government, civil society and business of Kazakhstan in order to provide PLWH and their relatives and friends with well-deserved quality of life including access to qualitative services on prevention, treatment, care and support related to HIV-infection.
A number of values and principles of the PLWH Union includes: active participation of PLWH and their relatives and friends in planning and implementation of activities of the Union and its member-organizations; responsibility before communities, commitment; recognition of distinctions between the organizations and people; partnership for achievement of common goals. The purpose of carrying out of Forum was mobilization of PLWH community of Kazakhstan for wide and active involvement of PLWH in activities directed to contribute to an impact of HIV epidemic.
In connection with this, the Central Asia AIDS Control Project together with other international partners decided to support the initiative of carrying out of first PLWH Forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan on December 10, 2009 and provide financial support for the organization of this event. The Forum has gathered more than 40 PLWH representatives; most of the participants arrived from different oblasts of Kazakhstan. The information on the HIV epidemiological situation in Kazakhstan, work and activities of the government and international organizations in the country focused on improvement of quality of life of PLWH has been presented to the participants in the course of the Forum.
 Several member-organizations of Kazakhstan PLWH Union had opportunity to make presentations about their best practices, hence sharing the experience with other members of the Union. Carrying out three master-classes on vital subjects with involvement of the international experts has also improved knowledge of participants in different directions in the field of HIV counteraction in Kazakhstan.
During the Forum activities of Kazakhstan PLWH Union, where interests of target communities and key partners has been taken into account, have been coordinated and accepted by all members of the Union. Moreover, yet another board meeting of Kazakhstan PLWH Union has been held, and work plan of the Union for 2010 has been discussed and approved. Based on the results of Forum, the resolution has been worked out and accepted.
Carrying out of such Forum has allowed to make a contribution towards positive image of Kazakhstan PLWH Union among target communities and key partners such as government agencies and organizations, international organizations, others NGOs assisting and supporting target communities. Improvement of sharing experience and mutual support between members of the Union are key directions both for professional support and development of the organizations - members of the Union and for further growth and strengthening of the Union. |
