She emphasized that the focus was on the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV. "The competition is aimed at spreading accurate information about HIV among the population," noted Isabaeva.
Stereotypes about HIV as a deadly disease continue to exist. These biases arose during the times when HIV was associated with certain groups of people, such as drug users and sex workers. Experts assure that this is no longer the case today. More often, HIV is transmitted among people leading ordinary lives, and it has been scientifically confirmed that the virus is not transmitted through communication, shared items, or even while swimming in the same pool.
Society is still not ready to perceive HIV as a chronic disease that can be managed through therapy. Vyacheslav Goncharov, head of the public foundation "Door," cited an example from Austria, where HIV medications are available and do not cause any concern among the population. In Kyrgyzstan, although the perception of the disease is changing, this process is slow. Comments on publications on this topic on vb.kg no longer contain aggression; on the contrary, they show understanding and support.
To reduce the negative attitude towards people with HIV, it is necessary to inform the public more about the disease. Fear is born from ignorance, which is why many do not get tested. Competitions like this one are designed to draw journalists' attention to this issue.
The Republican media competition "Together we will defeat HIV, taking care of ourselves and each other" was held in collaboration with the Center for Health Development and Medical Technologies and other partners, including the UNDP project "Effective Control of HIV and Tuberculosis in the Kyrgyz Republic." A total of 29 works were submitted from all corners of the country.
The award ceremony for the winners took place on December 25, where the names of the laureates were announced.
• In the nomination "Best Material in Print and Online Media, as well as on Other Digital Platforms," the winner was Nina Nichiporova (Publishing House "Evening Bishkek").
• In the category "Best Radio Material," the award went to Nuraiym Rysmambetova (News Agency "Sputnik").
• In the nomination "Best Television Material," the award was received by Kaligul Asambaev (UTRK-"Ala-Too" 24).
Additionally, the jury members awarded special prizes to:
• Asylzat Kozhonazarova ("Chekit Media").
• Gulbubu Usenova (UTRK, program "Radioclinic").
• Guliru Turatbek kyzy (UTRK Naryn).
For the winners in each nomination, a prize fund in the form of three laptops was provided.
Moreover, representatives of the Public Foundation "Positive Youth" suggested introducing additional prizes for works recognized by the community of people living with HIV.
The award ceremony was held in a hybrid format: physically in Bishkek with an online broadcast for participants from other regions.
One of the significant moments of the ceremony was the presentation of special prizes from the community of people living with HIV, symbolizing a dialogue between journalists and the individuals they write about. An emotional moment was the speech by a community representative, who expressed gratitude to journalists for their honest and respectful attitude towards the problems faced by people with HIV.
All participants in the competition received special diplomas.
