Unprotected sex means taking the risk of transmitting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) to one's partner. The damage can be significant, especially when the STI has not been treated in time. To mark sexual health week, the Biology Circle organised two events to raise awareness and provide information on sexually transmitted diseases: a conference on STIs and free screening.
To make the project a reality, the committee was able to benefit from the support of the UNamur Harm Reduction group (RdR), a group that connects students with professionals from the voluntary sector. Thanks to the many contacts of the RdR group, the members of the circle were able to collaborate with the non-profit organisation "Le blé en herbe", a family and marital planning and counselling centre composed of psychologists, doctors, marital and family counsellors, etc. Invited to speak during this awareness-raising week, social workers came to present the centre's planning, but not only... They also gave an overview of what a sexually transmitted infection is and the dangers incurred during unprotected sex, with the aim of prevention. Their conference was attended by about forty people interested in the subject! With the help of the UNamur medical-psychological unit, coordinated by Gaël Meert (psychologist at the CMP), the committee had also planned a screening session at the social centre's medical practice. The screening was anonymous and completely free. Two good reasons to go there!
The UNamur medical-psychological unit
The UNamur medical-psychological unit supports students who are facing personal difficulties and who need to speak out. They can meet with psychologists to deal with their stress, to guide them in their choice of study or to accompany them when they must reorient themselves. In addition to psychological consultations, the unit also offers free medical consultations without appointment. They carry out awareness-raising activities on campus and collaborate with the Risk Reduction group, a group whose mission is to support students in their projects to reduce risks in festive environments and promote health. They helped the Medicine circle to organize an alcohol awareness week. The Biology circle also called on their services for the organization of the sexual health week.