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COVID-19-Related Diminished Peer HIV Communication Intentions Among Sexual and Gender Expansive Individuals in Kazakhstan
COVID-19-Related Diminished Peer HIV Communication Intentions Among Sexual and Gender Expansive Individuals in Kazakhstan
August 17, 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted HIV service use among sexual and gender expansive (SGE) individuals in Kazakhstan and could further erode other key behavioral dimensions of HIV prevention, such as peer HIV communication intentions. We examined the association between COVID-19 disruptions to HIV service use and behavioral intention of peer HIV communication among SGE individuals enrolled in an HIV prevention trial in Kazakhstan, using data from the first 6 months of COVID-19 disruptions assessment (May?October 2020). Among 455 participants retained in the clinical trial during this period, 101 (22%) reported any COVID-19-induced disruption to HIV service use and 212 (47%) fell in the low-range intention of peer HIV communication. Being in the low-range intention was positively associated with reporting HIV service use disruptions, especially among SGE individuals living with HIV. Study findings warrant efforts of to address pandemic disruptions when promoting and sustaining peer HIV communication among MSM and TSM in Kazakhstan.


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Prof. LU Shiyu received the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award (Hong Kong) as Principal Investigator
Prof. LU Shiyu has been named a Principal Investigator awardee in the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Awards (Hong Kong), a regional arm of the Healthy Longevity Global Competition founded by the U.S. National Academy of Medicine. This international program backs bold, early-stage ideas that can extend healthy years of life and accelerate practical solutions for ageing and longevity.
Prof. LU’s winning project—on social prescribing of virtual reality–based urban greenness combined with a peer-support model—will conduct an effectiveness and feasibility study to assess whether immersive exposure to green environments, delivered through VR and embedded in community pathways, can strengthen mental health and well-being among older adults. The study is designed to generate real-world insights on feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact, with the aim of informing scalable, non-pharmacological approaches to support healthy ageing and positioning the work for subsequent phases of the global competition.
Learn more: https://healthylongevitychallenge.org/winners/social-prescribing-of-virtual-reality-urban-greenness-with-peer-support-model-to-promote-mental-health-among-aging-population-an-effectiveness-and-feasibility-study/
Prof. LOU W.Q. Vivian’s Transitional Care Platform Wins Smart Ageing Award 2022 (Elderly Care – Bronze)
We’re delighted to share that Dr. LOU W.Q. Vivian’s “Jockey Club Empowerment-based Transitional Care Project – Platform” received the Smart Ageing Award 2022 (Elderly Care – Bronze) from the Golden Age Foundation in Hong Kong. The Smart Ageing Award recognises innovative, people-centred solutions that enhance quality of life for older adults and demonstrate real-world impact and potential for wider adoption. Dr. LOU’s project advances empowerment-based transitional care by providing structured, person-centred support for older adults and caregivers during care transitions, strengthening self-efficacy and continuity of care, and connecting users with community resources through a platform-driven model. This recognition highlights the project’s contribution to safer, smoother transitions between care settings, improved well-being for older people and their families, and a scalable approach that community partners can adopt to promote ageing well.
Learn more: https://goldenage.foundation/en/SAA2022/showcase
Prof. LAW Y.W. Frances Awarded HKU Rosie Young 90 Medal for Outstanding Young Woman Scholar
Congratulations to Prof. LAW Y.W. Frances on being named an awardee of the Rosie Young 90 Medal for Outstanding Young Woman Scholar at The University of Hong Kong. Established in honour of the trailblazing HKU physician and educator Professor Rosie Young, the Medal recognises early‑career women academics who exemplify excellence, leadership potential, and societal impact across research, teaching and learning, knowledge exchange, and service. As highlighted on the official medal page, Prof. Law’s profile underscores a strong record of impactful scholarship and community engagement, translating research into practice, building cross‑sector collaborations, and mentoring the next generation of scholars. This recognition affirms her contributions to advancing HKU’s mission and improving lives in Hong Kong and beyond through evidence‑based innovation and public engagement.
Learn more: https://giving.hku.hk/roise-young-90-medal/professor-frances-yik-wa-law
Prof. LOU W.Q. Vivian Named to UN Healthy Ageing 50 Leaders

Congratulations to Prof. LOU W.Q. Vivian on being recognized among the Healthy Ageing 50 Leaders by the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021?2030). The Healthy Ageing 50 highlights people from every region and sector?government, civil society, academia, and business?whose work is measurably improving the lives, rights, and well-being of older people and advancing the Decade?s priorities: combating ageism, fostering age-friendly environments, and expanding access to integrated and long-term care. Honourees are profiled on the Decade platform to showcase approaches with proven impact and potential to scale, and to catalyse collaboration across countries and disciplines?reflecting Dr. LOU?s leadership in ageing and longevity.

Learn more: https://www.decadeofhealthyageing.org/topics-initiatives/other-initiatives/healthy-ageing-50#anchor_two

Prof. LAW Y.W. Frances Admitted as Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Social Work (2024?present)

Prof. LAW Y.W. Frances was admitted as a Fellow of the Academy by the Hong Kong Academy of Social Work. The Fellowship is a senior professional honour that recognizes social work leaders with sustained, exemplary contributions to the profession and the community. Fellows are peer?acknowledged for their professional excellence and leadership, ethical standing, impact on practice and policy, scholarship and education, and dedicated service. As a Fellow, Prof. Law is part of a community expected to set standards for the field, champion continuing professional development, mentor the next generation, and help advance the Academy?s mission to strengthen social work quality and public trust in Hong Kong. This recognition affirms her leadership and broad impact across research, practice, and community engagement.

Learn more: https://academy.hkswa.org.hk/zh-HK/membership/information/fellow/