On May 24, 2019, Proyecto Once Trece the classrooms at the Las Mercedes University Institute of Design to give a talk on HIV/AIDS prevention as a prelude to the “Against HIV Stigma and Discrimination” contest, which will be held with students from this institution.
The discussion covered HIV and its history, current antiretroviral treatments, PrEP, PEP, and the importance of getting tested for HIV. In addition, more than 200 male and female condoms were distributed free of charge to attendees and staff members at the institution.
At the conclusion of the program—which was free, voluntary, and confidential—25 students took rapid diagnostic tests to determine their HIV status. They noted that taking the tests allowed them to experience the fear that comes with the process and to understand how important it is to know their HIV status.