16 February 2024
The Mobile Clinic in collaboration with the Student Affairs Department, the Medical Centre, the AIDS Solidarity Movement, and the Cy Checkpoint, organised a STI testing day on Wednesday, 14 February 2024. Twenty medical student volunteers, along with volunteers from the AIDS Solidarity Movement and Community Health Workers from the Cy Checkpoint, offered free, anonymous rapid tests for HIV and Syphilis. They also provided pre-test and post-test peer counselling to 52 students.
Before the event, the medical students participated in a training session on ‘Sexual History Taking,’ led by Dr Christos Michael. During the event, they had the opportunity to apply their communication skills and observe the community testing process, including performing peer counseling and testing.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the mobile clinic expedition. Not only did it provide an excellent opportunity to hone my communication skills, but it also underscored the crucial importance of neutrality in such settings. I also had the chance to practise my Greek and expand my vocabulary.”
Divania Senira Da Cruz Lemos, Angola
MD, Class of 2026
“Engaging in sexual health history taking and observing testing procedures not only enhanced my communication abilities, but also made me realise how important confidentiality is. Fostering a supportive environment where individuals can feel safe is crucial. Overall, this experience emphasized the importance of community-based initiatives in promoting sexual health awareness and in minimising stigma.”
Rawan Saadeddine, Lebanon
MD, Class of 2026