On March 8, 2025, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Gate Charity launched a significant sexual health education and free screening public welfare event in Cotonou, Benin, Africa. The initiative aimed to enhance the awareness of local youth and adolescents regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, reduce the stigma associated with sexual health-related issues, improve the health consciousness of the local community, especially among adolescents and women, and provide free testing services to increase the early diagnosis rate of diseases, thereby taking practical action to promote the health of women and adolescents in Africa and foster gender equality.
Breaking down the barriers of knowledge and filling the gap between local health education and medical services.
In Africa, despite some progress in public health promotion due to the efforts of international parties, the prevention and early detection of STIs and HIV still face many challenges due to social stigma, misinformation, and a shortage of medical resources. Adolescents and young people have always been a high-risk group for STIs and HIV infections, often finding themselves in trouble due to a lack of proper channels to access sexual health information.
Gate Charity understands that the health of women and adolescents is not only a public health issue but also a key aspect of achieving gender equality. This charitable initiative specifically focuses on the psychological and health needs of this group, creating an open, inclusive, and safe dialogue space, with the primary goal of promoting sexual health knowledge. It aims to help them master correct health management methods and enhance self-protection awareness while filling the gaps in local health education, safeguarding the health and future of local women and adolescents.
Gate Charity partners with local organizations to safeguard a healthy future.
This event is co-hosted by Gate Charity and the local organization ABPF in Benin. The event attracted active participation from local youth and young people. A team of medical experts and psychological counselors from various local health institutions shared information with participants through interactive lectures and group discussions, addressing common misconceptions about sexually transmitted infections, analyzing transmission risks, introducing corresponding preventive measures and treatment methods, thereby breaking down participants’ fears and prejudices regarding STIs and HIV.
In addition, Gate Charity also provided free HIV and STIs screening services for many young people and women attending the event. All screenings are anonymous and participation is voluntary, ensuring that personal privacy is fully respected. At the same time, professional medical staff on site also offered psychological counseling and medical advice before and after the tests, ensuring that participants receive adequate support and care throughout the process.
During the event, participants not only received practical materials such as a sexual health manual, but also gained more support and guidance on how to maintain sexual health and cope with diagnosis results through face-to-face consultations with experts. In addition, the event provided follow-up support for individuals who tested positive and promised to refer positive testers to local medical institutions to ensure they receive timely treatment and assistance.
Gate Charity hopes to take advantage of International Women’s Day to raise awareness that health equity is inseparable from gender equality, and that everyone deserves the right to access medical resources. In the future, Gate Charity will continue to increase support for underdeveloped areas and promote similar health empowerment projects to more communities in need, using love and care as a bridge to make health no longer an unattainable dream.
