On December 1, health professionals from the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Clinical Center Tuzla and Bosnian and Herzegovinian medical students organized a series of public events to commemorate World AIDS Day 2021, and reflect upon our worldwide response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This year’s awareness-raising activities included free counseling services, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, blood pressure and blood sugar testing for the citizens of Tuzla in shopping mall Omega.
Dr Denis Žepić, specialist in infectious diseases said that the citizens responded to campaign very good and all planned rapid test for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C were used yesterday.
HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis screening and testing is highly recommended to persons who belong to risk occupational categories such a health care professionals, police officers and firefighters, but also promiscuous individuals and intravenous addicts.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). From the first reported case of HIV infection in BiH in 1986 to the present, the HIV virus has been confirmed in about 500 people of whom 170 developed AIDS and 65 lost their lives.
The Counseling Centre for voluntary, confidential and free testing for HIV and Hepatitis C virus of the Clinic for Infectious Diseases is offering anonymous HIV/AIDS and hepatitis testing and any kind of help for patients free of charge through the year. According to data from the Counseling Center, there are 2 to 3 newly infected cases reported on average per year. Currently, there are 25 HIV positive patients.
Medication used for the treatment and care are for the patients completely free of charge. The costs of medical treatments are funded through the Cantonal Health Insurance.
