As part of the “Education for Prevention” project, from September 24 to September 28, 2024, “DiverCity” NGO held a series of training sessions with LGBTQ+ friendly doctors and specialists on the topic of sexually transmitted diseases.
On the first day, there was a training with an infectionist, who informed participants about the most important aspects of HIV and AIDS. Participants learned about the history of HIV, its development in the body, the stages, etc. They also shared the basic ways of protecting oneself from HIV. Furthermore, she introduced the activities of the AIDS Prevention in Armenia and discussed the availability of free HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy, as well as follow-up care for those diagnosed with HIV.
During the second training, participants met a dermatologist who spoke about sexually transmitted diseases that are spread through skin contact, with a particular focus on syphilis. Participants were presented with some statistics showing a dramatic increase in syphilis cases in Armenia. Moreover, certain examples of how syphilis manifests on different parts of the human body were also shown. The dermatologist discussed ways to prevent infection and how to differentiate the skin manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases from other conditions.
At the third training, the participants were introduced to a gynecologist, who discussed the specific characteristics of female genitalia and reproductive health in relation to sexually transmitted diseases, deconstructed myths and stereotypes about sexually transmitted infections and answered all the participants’ questions on the topic, especially reproductive health.
For the fourth training, “DiverCity” NGO invited “Doctors Without Borders” Armenia NGO. The doctors and specialists of the “Doctors Without Borders” Armenia NGO provided a detailed discussion on Hepatitis B and C, including their differences and effects on human health. Participants learned about prevention methods, the importance of hepatitis screening and vaccination, and treatment options for Hepatitis C. An interactive game was played to teach participants about the various ways hepatitis can be transmitted and the varying degrees of infection risk.
At the final training, a sexologist gave a lecture on how sexually transmitted diseases affect male genitalia and reproductive health and their particular characteristics in relation to sexually transmitted infections. The importance of protected sex and regular health check-ups was emphasized.
Throughout all the 5 training sessions, participants actively asked questions and received profound and detailed answers. They were also provided with contact information for the specialists for further consultations, if needed.
Let us to remind that the training sessions conducted by the “DiverCity” Social-Cultural, Human Rights Defender NGO as part of the “Education for Prevention” project with the financial support of the “Eurasian Coalition on Health, Law, Gender and Sexual Diversity (ECOM).” .
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