On the occasion of European Testing Week, the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO) once again received a visit from the Cantabrian Citizens’ Association Against AIDS (ACCAS) to offer an HIV Awareness Day to students.
In addition to informing students about HIV, ACCAS will be promoting and facilitating access to rapid HIV testing, so that students can take the test quickly and free of charge on campus.
On behalf of the Cantabrian Citizens’ Association Against AIDS, various staff members visited the university to support both the information desk and the HIV testing process. This year, we welcomed Candela Mencía, Bárbara Bretones González, Virginia Miguel, and Lucas Silva.
The human immunodeficiency virus, better known as HIV, affects the immune system, weakening its defenses against infections and certain types of cancer. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, approximately 630,000 people died from HIV. It is a disease that continues to have a significant impact on the world, making it extremely important to raise awareness about it and promote protection against it.
Therefore, ACCAS has developed this HIV awareness day to inform young people about the disease and its transmission routes. Its campaign aims to “reach young people, carry out screening tests and provide information, and, if someone tests positive, start treatment and help them.”