In a proactive move to combat HIV among adolescents, the Faculty of Nursing at Hasanuddin University (Unhas) has launched the GESIT program in the Selayar Islands. This initiative aims to educate and empower young people with crucial knowledge about HIV prevention.
The GESIT program, which stands for ‘Gerakan Edukasi dan Sosialisasi Informasi Terkait HIV’ (Movement for Education and Socialization of HIV-Related Information), is designed to reach out to teenagers in the region. Through interactive sessions and community engagement, the program seeks to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and promote healthy behaviors among the youth.
According to the faculty, the program is a response to the increasing need for targeted HIV education in remote areas. By focusing on adolescents, the initiative hopes to build a foundation of awareness that will lead to long-term prevention efforts. The activities include workshops, peer-to-peer discussions, and the distribution of educational materials, all tailored to the local context.
The program has been well-received by the local community, with school officials and parents expressing support for the initiative. They believe that such educational efforts are vital in safeguarding the health of the younger generation.
Through GESIT, Unhas is not only contributing to the fight against HIV but also strengthening its commitment to community service and public health education. The faculty plans to expand the program to other regions in South Sulawesi, aiming to create a ripple effect of awareness and prevention across the province.