Awareness Event on HIV/AIDS Held at BEU

An awareness event for students was held at Baku Engineering University (BEU) by the Republican AIDS Control Center of the Ministry of Health.

The main objectives of the event were to raise students' awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and to promote a healthy and safe lifestyle.

Samira Valiyeva, a physician from the center who addressed the event, provided information on HIV infection and AIDS, a disease that weakens the immune system and disables its defense mechanisms. She spoke about the spreading tendencies of the disease in the world and the region in recent years, preventive measures, the importance of early diagnosis, and modern treatment methods.

During her address, the physician covered the stages of HIV, routes of transmission, clinical signs, as well as diagnostic and treatment options. It was noted that the timely detection of HIV is of critical importance both for protecting individual health and for preventing the spread of the virus. The necessity of young people undergoing medical examination at least once a year was particularly emphasized.

Samira Valiyeva noted that beauty salons, dental offices, and other healthcare service areas where hygiene standards are not properly observed may also increase the risk of infection in some cases. She drew attention to the fact that pre-marital medical examinations are conducted in the country, and that HIV tests are carried out during recruitment in certain sectors.

The event highlighted that awareness-raising activities are being widely conducted across the country, given the seriousness of the disease, the existing risk of its spread particularly among young people, and the importance of preserving a healthy gene pool. It was also noted that HIV-related examination and treatment services are provided free of charge by the state. Risks arising from misinformation were addressed, and the importance of society relying on accurate and reliable medical information was underscored.

At the end of the event, students' questions were answered and an opportunity was provided to undergo an anonymous HIV rapid test.