News

Traditionally, the World AIDS Day in Veliko Tarnovo was commemorated by volunteers’ Club K7 of Center Amalipe in partnership with the Regional health inspectorate (RHI) - Veliko Tarnovo and the Youth Center.
At 11 o’clock in front of the Town Hall in the old capital with a special interest by the citizens, young volunteers conveyed their message to Veliko Tarnovo that says "Prezervatiray se!" (it’s a made-up word like Condomize yourself) which calls for regular and proper use of condoms during sex because the condom is the most reliable and universal way of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy. Pedestrians of all ages wanted to get condoms and educational materials part of which are designed by the young people from K7 Club - Veliko Tarnovo. They drew an informational brochure that gives basic information about volunteering, how to prevent infection and what are the ways of contracting HIV, and contacts through which anyone who wishes to become a volunteer at Club K7.
Along with the condoms citizens received a red ribbon, which is a symbol of the global efforts to combat AIDS. A little later the same day Red Cross volunteers distributed condoms supplied by Center Amalipe to citizens traveling in the public transport.
Focus of the campaign in front of the municipality, which visualizes the fight against AIDS was the sculpture (installation) of the red ribbon called “Getting To Zero”, which was two meters high, and its aim was to let pedestrians write on it their thoughts about AIDS and the World AIDS Day. Some passers-by wrote messages on the theme of responsible and safe sexual behavior, tolerant attitude towards people living with HIV, love and others.
Another key element of the campaign was the already traditional concert of young talents and artists. "Be informed, to not be HIV infected!" was the message that the concert sent to the crowded hall of the European Centre that evening. The audience was blown up by the performances of popular and beloved artists in the city - DrunK, Krum, MJ, Rushi, Kalina and Christian, and the latino dancing skills of "Un beso" dancing school, "Fresh Air Crew", "Turnovche" folk dances and others. As part of the program volunteers from Club 'K7' presented their work through theatrical sketches and skits, and held educational and entertaining games for the audience related to HIV and AIDS. Naturally there were lots of prizes - for those who knew most about the subject.
Innovation in the campaign this year was the opportunity to all visitors to the concert to get tested for HIV anonymously and free on site. Dozens of young people aged over 16 years underwent testing that works with rapid tests and the result is ready in minutes.
Other events that preceded and accompanied the World AIDS Day Amalipe held in the days around December 1. Innovative practice, which was held jointly with the Regional Health Inspectorate (RHI) was anonymous and free HIV testing in two villages in the Municipality of Pavlikeni - Batak Varbovka. Both villages have predominantly Muslim Roma. In both villages, open talk about sexuality and STIs is not typical because of conservative community, and usually RHI’s efforts for intervention in such regions were unsuccessful. The collaboration of RHI with Amalipe however, lead to a very successful campaign for anonymous HIV testing.
Other initiatives that accompanied December 1 were anti-AIDS campaign in the town of Pavlikeni carried out by volunteers of Center Amalipe who distributed condoms and educational materials for citizens, also a number of courses and lectures on topics of sexual health and contraception were organized in the Center for Parents "Happy Mums", Center for family counseling and support, SOS Kinderdorf dormitory in Veliko Tarnovo, "Hr. Botev " school in Veliko Tarnovo, Complex for Social Services - Pavlikeni and others.
Amalipe calculations show that only on the occasion of World AIDS Day volunteers have distributed 10,000 condoms.