On December 2, 2024, students and faculty from the University of the Cordilleras College of Nursing (UC-CON) came together with the local community in La Trinidad, Benguet, to commemorate World AIDS Day with the theme “Take the RIGHTS Path: My Health, My Right!” The event focused on raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, promoting health rights, and empowering individuals through accessible healthcare services.
Held at the La Trinidad Municipal Gym, the event featured inspiring lectures, free HIV testing, and a blood donation drive. UC-CON students and faculty actively participated in these activities, which offered essential health services to the community and emphasized the importance of health rights for all individuals. Students assisted with the HIV testing and blood donation, playing a crucial role in ensuring the event’s success.
The day was filled with educational talks from healthcare professionals who shared vital information on HIV prevention, the rights of people living with HIV, and the need to dismantle the stigma associated with the virus. These lectures helped attendees understand the significance of accessing healthcare services and the importance of supporting individuals living with HIV/AIDS in their journey toward better health.
The event’s theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”, calls for a rights-based approach to healthcare, ensuring everyone has access to the services they need without fear of discrimination or exclusion. UC-CON’s participation underscored the university’s commitment to community service, social responsibility, and public health advocacy.
By actively engaging in this event, UC-CON students not only contributed to a vital public health initiative but also gained valuable experience in applying their nursing skills in real-world settings. Their involvement is a testament to the university’s dedication to providing students with opportunities to engage in meaningful community service while advancing their understanding of global health issues.
Through their participation, UC-CON students and faculty reinforced the importance of collective action in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The event showcased their ongoing efforts to promote health education, empower communities, and advocate for health rights, all while fostering a sense of responsibility and leadership among nursing students.
This World AIDS Day event highlighted the importance of unity in addressing health disparities, and UC-CON’s active participation is a reflection of its unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the community. It serves as a reminder that through education, awareness, and action, we can work together to create a world where everyone has the right to good health and the opportunity to live a full, dignified life.
