Sofia, November 23 – December 3 2018
Between November 23rd and 30th for a sixth consecutive year took place the European testing week, in which BFPA has participated from the very first year. The aim of the campaign is as much people as possible to be encouraged to know their HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C status and respectively either start therapy and/or to be informed about the risks of infection and how to avoid them. This year besides HIV and Hepatitis B and C, BFPA also implemented testing for syphilis as well as dissemination of free condoms, donated to the association by Durex Bulgaria. At BFPA’s medical center were performed a total of 75 tests - 29 for HIV, 15 for Hepatitis B, 15 for Hepatitis C and 16 for syphilis. 749 national and multinational organizations from all over Europe participated in the testing week this year, 16 of which from Bulgaria.
On December 1st, the global day for battling HIV/AIDS, BFPA traditionally implements and supports different AIDS-prevention related activities and campaigns. Since the day itself falls on a weekend, some activities and campaigns were held during the weekend, some - on November 30th and on December 3rd.
Their goal is to raise awareness among young people (and people of all ages), about how the disease is transmitted and how to protect themselves, as well as encouraging them to test themselves, so they are aware of their HIV status. This is being done in order to lower the prevalence of the disease in society as a whole and in case there is a need, to start therapy and minimize risks of virus transmission. This year young BFPA volunteers implemented educational sessions for young people and distributed informational materials about HIV/AIDS in Sofia, Pleven, Ploovdiv, Ruse and Stara Zagora and also the association supported the campaigns of the Red Cross Youth in all 28 regions of the country, NNHM, the youth sections of the UN clubs in Bulgaria, SHC, the Association of Pharmaceutical students and the Association of Medical Students with the donated by Durex Bulgaria 9000 condoms. We hope that this cooperation will continue successfully in the future not only on thematic campaigns, but also with long-term activities on peer education, prevention and raising awareness.
