In this year’s blog series, we present the writings of Hivpoint’s Health Buddies 2024 in which they reflect on their own journey in promoting sexual health.
Health Buddies spread knowledge about sexual rights and sexual health including HIV and other STIs in migrant and refugee communities. Let us present to you our wonderful Health Buddy Cecilia.
My name is Cecilia, I’m originally from Ghana and I have lived in Finland since 2007. I decided to apply to Hivpoint’s Health Buddy program because I used to volunteer for the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana since I was 15. There we educated the youth about sex, sexuality, STIs, and other capacity building programs.
I applied to Health Buddy Program for the first time in 2021 because I wanted to spend part of my free time to educate others. I got the chance to join the Health Buddy program this year.
Why are sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) important?
Everyone should have access to sexual education, the freedom to the freedom to express their sexuality how they want to and information on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as information regarding pregnancy.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are defined as the rights for every individual. SRHR refer to the rights of individuals to decide independently about matters related to their own sexuality.
What should people know about HIV and other STIs?
The only way to stay informed about your HIV status is by going to get tested. You do not need to feel scared or embarrassed about it.
HIV and STIs are not the end of the world if one is infected.
Even after finding out a positive test result, there are treatments available. The treatment and medication will help you to continue living like anyone else and with a long life.
What kind of experience has it been to organize workshops as a Health Buddy?
Being a Health Buddy and coordinating and organizing workshops regarding hasn’t always been easy since many people are quite busy with their own lives. Otherwise, it has been exciting and a refreshing journey to teach others and to keep them informed about things they are not aware of.
It has been exciting and a refreshing journey to teach others and to keep them informed about things they are not aware of.
Cecilia
The writer is one of the Hivpoint’s Health Buddies 2024.