The Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Division, under the Health Secretariat of the Municipality of Concordia, is intensifying prevention workshops and promoting voluntary testing in educational institutions across the city.
With the goal of providing clear, scientific, and prejudice-free information, the STI Division team visits primary schools (in their final cycles), secondary schools, and night schools for youth and adults. In these spaces, talks are held regarding the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections and the importance of periodically undergoing HIV and Syphilis testing.
STI Division Chief, Tatiana Moreira, highlighted the importance of working within educational institutions and creating spaces for dialogue with students: “it is essential to bring reliable information to schools, because often that is where adolescents and young people find a space to ask questions, clear up doubts, and talk about these topics without fear or prejudice,” Tatiana noted.
PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOPS TO PREVENT AND BREAK DOWN MYTHS
The meetings are held in a participatory workshop format, where students can ask questions, share concerns, and access reliable information. Among the topics addressed are the correct use of condoms, transmission routes, the differences between HIV and other STIs, and the importance of breaking down myths and prejudices that still persist.
In addition, informative material is provided and the rapid HIV and Syphilis test process is explained. “Our goal is to reach out early, to prevent and promote health care. We want young people to know that getting tested is an act of responsibility and care for oneself and others, and that there is no need to be afraid,” expressed Moreira.
RAPID, FREE, AND CONFIDENTIAL TESTING
From the STI Division area, they reminded that the HIV and Syphilis test is voluntary, free, and confidential. It is performed through a simple finger prick and the result is obtained in approximately 15 minutes. It does not require a medical prescription or fasting.
The test is a screening test, so a positive result is presumptive and must be confirmed through laboratory studies. In such cases, the health team provides support and guarantees the corresponding referral.
The test is available throughout the year at the STI Division office, located at the intersection of La Rioja and Roque Sáenz Peña, and also during territorial operations carried out in different parts of the city.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PERIODIC TESTING
Moreira remarked that access to early diagnosis is a fundamental tool for health care: “getting tested allows us to know our health status, detect an infection in time, and access the appropriate treatment. Syphilis is curable and HIV, with early diagnosis and treatment, can be controlled. It is important that the community has this information and can access the test in a simple and confidential manner.”
Therefore, it is recommended to get tested at least once a year, or more frequently depending on practices and exposure situations.
REQUEST FOR WORKSHOPS
Educational institutions that wish to coordinate a talk for their courses can contact the STI Division area of the Health Secretariat of the Municipality of Concordia by phone at (345) 426-6491.
You can also follow the activities and receive information through the area's Instagram: @division_de_its_
With the goal of providing clear, scientific, and prejudice-free information, the STI Division team visits primary schools (in their final cycles), secondary schools, and night schools for youth and adults. In these spaces, talks are held regarding the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections and the importance of periodically undergoing HIV and Syphilis testing.
STI Division Chief, Tatiana Moreira, highlighted the importance of working within educational institutions and creating spaces for dialogue with students: “it is essential to bring reliable information to schools, because often that is where adolescents and young people find a space to ask questions, clear up doubts, and talk about these topics without fear or prejudice,” Tatiana noted.
PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOPS TO PREVENT AND BREAK DOWN MYTHS
The meetings are held in a participatory workshop format, where students can ask questions, share concerns, and access reliable information. Among the topics addressed are the correct use of condoms, transmission routes, the differences between HIV and other STIs, and the importance of breaking down myths and prejudices that still persist.
In addition, informative material is provided and the rapid HIV and Syphilis test process is explained. “Our goal is to reach out early, to prevent and promote health care. We want young people to know that getting tested is an act of responsibility and care for oneself and others, and that there is no need to be afraid,” expressed Moreira.
RAPID, FREE, AND CONFIDENTIAL TESTING
From the STI Division area, they reminded that the HIV and Syphilis test is voluntary, free, and confidential. It is performed through a simple finger prick and the result is obtained in approximately 15 minutes. It does not require a medical prescription or fasting.
The test is a screening test, so a positive result is presumptive and must be confirmed through laboratory studies. In such cases, the health team provides support and guarantees the corresponding referral.
The test is available throughout the year at the STI Division office, located at the intersection of La Rioja and Roque Sáenz Peña, and also during territorial operations carried out in different parts of the city.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PERIODIC TESTING
Moreira remarked that access to early diagnosis is a fundamental tool for health care: “getting tested allows us to know our health status, detect an infection in time, and access the appropriate treatment. Syphilis is curable and HIV, with early diagnosis and treatment, can be controlled. It is important that the community has this information and can access the test in a simple and confidential manner.”
Therefore, it is recommended to get tested at least once a year, or more frequently depending on practices and exposure situations.
REQUEST FOR WORKSHOPS
Educational institutions that wish to coordinate a talk for their courses can contact the STI Division area of the Health Secretariat of the Municipality of Concordia by phone at (345) 426-6491.
You can also follow the activities and receive information through the area's Instagram: @division_de_its_