University extension in STI prevention

educational actions and rapid testing in Belo Horizonte

Abstract

Introduction: The Southeast region of Brazil accounts for a large proportion of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly in Minas Gerais, where there has been a noticeable increase in diagnoses of syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and viral hepatitis. Recognizing that early diagnosis is essential for timely treatment and interruption of transmission chains, an extension project was developed to promote prevention and community awareness. Objective: To describe the experience of health sciences undergraduate students participating in an extracurricular extension project aimed at raising awareness, preventing, and testing for STIs in the western region of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Experience Report:  Activities were carried out in a Primary Health Care Unit and in an educational center for young people, including dialogued educational lectures, distribution of informational materials, application of questionnaires assessing knowledge about STIs, and the performance of rapid tests for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C. The strategies adopted increased adherence to testing, promoted clarification of doubts, and contributed to the reduction of stigmas associated with STIs. It is estimated that approximately 150 community members were directly benefited by the interventions. Final considerations: The initiative proved effective in expanding access to information, strengthening the relationship between the community and health services, and fostering the development of students’ technical, communication, and humanistic skills. This experience underscores the importance of integrating health education with rapid testing as key tools in the prevention of STIs.