Promoting Health Rights, Equality, and Community Empowerment Through Awareness and Action
December 2, 2024 – La Trinidad, Benguet. Students and faculty from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC CON) joined the local community in commemorating World AIDS Day 2024 with the theme “Take the RIGHTS Path: My Health, My Right!” The event emphasized the importance of a rights-based approach to healthcare—ensuring access, equity, and dignity for all.
Held at the La Trinidad Municipal Gym, the program featured educational lectures, free HIV testing, and a blood donation drive. UC CON students and faculty actively participated by assisting with testing procedures, facilitating donations, and engaging with participants throughout the event. Their involvement contributed to the success of an initiative that combined advocacy, public health education, and community service.
The day’s discussions centered on HIV prevention, the rights of people living with HIV, and efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination. Health professionals underscored the importance of early testing, treatment adherence, and community support systems.
UC CON’s participation reflected the college’s enduring commitment to public health advocacy, social responsibility, and community partnership. By applying their nursing knowledge and interpersonal skills in a real-world setting, students deepened their understanding of health promotion and equity in care.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment
This activity supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 3.3 – End the epidemics of AIDS and other communicable diseases.
The event promoted awareness, testing, and prevention efforts to curb HIV transmission and support those living with HIV. - SDG 3.8 – Achieve universal health coverage and access to quality essential healthcare services.
Through free HIV testing and blood donation drives, the event expanded community access to essential health services. - SDG 4.7 – Ensure learners acquire knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development and global citizenship.
Student participation fostered awareness, leadership, and civic responsibility in addressing public health challenges. - SDG 5.6 – Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
The lectures emphasized empowerment, informed decision-making, and equitable access to reproductive health services. - SDG 10.2 – Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all.
The campaign encouraged acceptance and inclusion of people living with HIV, addressing stigma and discrimination. - SDG 17.17 – Encourage and promote effective public, public–private, and civil-society partnerships.
The collaboration among UC CON, local government units, and health organizations exemplified shared efforts toward community well-being.
