The Association for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention HOPE is a non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of HIV, viral hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted infections.
Through education, counselling, and voluntary, anonymous, and confidential testing, we work to improve public health and provide support to individuals affected by these diseases.
Our work focuses on raising public awareness, early detection of infections, and improving the quality of life of people living with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
We place a special emphasis on prevention, reducing stigma and discrimination, and protecting the human rights and dignity of every individual.
The HOPE Association collaborates with health institutions, experts, and civil society organizations to strengthen prevention, testing, and support programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Our goal is to build a society in which knowledge, solidarity, and accessible healthcare support form the foundation for preserving the health and dignity of every individual.
On the occasion of World AIDS Day, the Association for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention HOPE actively participated in important dialogues and activities aimed at raising awareness about HIV and promoting responsible behaviour, prevention, and the reduction of stigma.
The HOPE Association works to advance prevention, early detection, treatment, and the protection of the rights of people affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Our work is based on a professional approach, public health principles, and respect for human dignity.
We continuously work on education and raising awareness about HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
Through professional training and public outreach activities, we contribute to reducing risks and the number of new infections. Prevention and early detection of infections bring multiple benefits – for individuals, the healthcare system, and society as a whole.
We provide free counselling and testing while ensuring strict confidentiality and anonymity.
Early detection enables the timely initiation of treatment, better health outcomes, and a reduced risk of further transmission of infection.
Trust and the safety of our clients form the foundation of our work.
We advocate for access to modern therapies and the continuous improvement of treatment standards in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
HOPE actively contributes to the development and advocacy of public health policies, including improving testing systems, ensuring the availability of preventive measures such as PrEP, and supporting the development and implementation of national HIV strategies.
Stigma and discrimination continue to represent serious barriers in the fight against HIV.
We advocate for a society in which every person has the right to healthcare, confidentiality, support, and dignity, without fear of judgment or exclusion.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact, as well as through contact with infected bodily fluids.
Many infections can remain without symptoms for a long time, which means a person may not be aware that they are infected. For this reason, awareness, responsible behaviour, and regular testing are essential for protecting one’s health.
According to the type of pathogen, sexually transmitted infections are classified as:
Early detection enables timely treatment and helps prevent further transmission of infection.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system and, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS – the advanced stage of the infection.
HIV is a chronic infection, but today, thanks to modern treatment, people living with HIV can lead long and healthy lives. Without treatment, the virus gradually damages the immune system over time.
A person can be infected with HIV and still feel completely healthy. The only way to determine whether someone is infected is through testing.
Early detection allows for the timely initiation of treatment and significantly reduces the risk of transmitting the virus.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
It is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact, as well as from mother to child during pregnancy.
The infection progresses through several stages and may present mild or unnoticeable symptoms, which is why many people are unaware that they are infected.
Syphilis is curable, especially when detected early.
Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that affect the liver. They can be transmitted through sexual contact, contact with infected blood, or from mother to child.
The infection can often occur without symptoms while still causing damage to the liver.
Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, while hepatitis C is now curable in a large number of cases with modern therapy.
Testing is the only reliable way to detect the infection.
