The University Clinical Center Tuzla actively participated in the global initiative to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to express solidarity with those living with the virus.
In recognition of World AIDS Day, the staff of the Clinic for Infectious Diseases at University Clinical Center Tuzla organized a series of impactful activities. These included offering public, confidential, and free counseling and testing for HIV and the hepatitis C virus.
This year’s slogan and theme of World AIDS Day is “Let’s choose the right path: my health, my right”. The topic is focused on the protection of human rights in the field of health care, and the promotion of equality in access to health care.
According to Dr. Denis Žepić, an infectious disease specialist at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, the purpose of celebrating World AIDS Day is to remove stigma, protect rights and ensure the availability of treatment and prevention measures for all people living with HIV who are at greater risk of infection.
“This year’s campaign emphasizes the vital role of protecting human rights in preventing the spread of HIV and eliminating the stigma surrounding this disease. According to the World Health Organization, 1.3 million new HIV infections were recorded in 2023. This highlights the urgent need for continued efforts in prevention and early diagnosis to reduce the number of new cases. The Clinic for Infectious Diseases at the University Clinical Center Tuzla operates a Counseling Center offering voluntary, confidential, and free testing for HIV and hepatitis C. This service ensures equitable access to healthcare and contributes to global efforts to eliminate HIV and AIDS. Today’s campaign not only underscored the importance of prevention but also provided free and anonymous testing for HIV and hepatitis C. So far, 160 citizens have taken advantage of this opportunity, and I am pleased to report that none of the tests returned positive results,” said Dr. Žepić.
According to data from the Institute of Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 26 new cases of HIV infection were reported in 2024, including 8 individuals diagnosed with AIDS.
Unfortunately, one person succumbed to the disease during the year.
