This year, the Saarpfalz district health department is once again taking part in World Aids Day, which has been celebrated on 1 December for over 30 years. At a stand in the foyer (entrance area) of the district administration in Homburg, employees of the health department will provide information about the HI virus on Monday, 2 December, from 8 am to 3 pm. In addition, the teddy bear, the symbol of solidarity with those affected, will once again be available to purchase for seven euros. The proceeds will go to the Saarland AIDS organisation.
World AIDS Day aims to promote solidarity with people infected with HIV, counteract discrimination and call for people to live together without prejudice and marginalisation. Discrimination hurts and makes people ill. Some people even avoid going to the doctor for fear of discrimination.
"It is therefore good that this day exists and that authorities and organisations from the health sector are getting involved with campaigns to specifically raise awareness of the issue. Because education is still necessary, because not everyone knows that people with HIV can live like everyone else today. I would like to encourage the citizens of the Saarpfalz district to take advantage of the information offered by our health department - especially on 2 December - and also to support Aidshilfe Saar by buying a cuddly teddy bear," says District Administrator Dr Theophil Gallo.
As a general rule, anyone who may have been infected with HIV should take an HIV test at the public health department. This makes early treatment possible. HIV is difficult to transmit: There is no risk in everyday life - not at work, not in the toilet or through shared crockery. Nothing can happen even when hugging or kissing!
At the Saarpfalz district health authority, you can get information, advice and testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Of course, everything remains anonymous and the service is free of charge.
The opening hours of the health department in the district administration, Am Forum 1, are as follows: Monday to Thursday: 8 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 3.30 pm; Friday: 8 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 3 pm.
For further information, please call (06841) 104-7242 or e-mail:
[email protected].