School health assemblies will discuss STI prevention with more than 1,000 pupils
A health-literacy programme for pupils aged 14 to 18 is visiting schools in Lisbon, Peniche, Felgueiras and Lousada with clinician-led discussions on prevention and testing.
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Archived 1 November 2026The sessions create a trusted education route for participating pupils, but they do not diagnose or treat an infection. Young people who need confidential advice or testing should use an appropriate health service.
- The programme involves more than 1,000 pupils aged 14 to 18.
- Sessions are scheduled in Lisbon on 20, 22 and 29 October and in Atouguia da Baleia on 28 October.
- Felgueiras and Lousada schools are scheduled for 18 November.
The programme uses discussion rather than a single lecture
Doctors or nurses first explain sexually transmitted infections in plain language. Pupils then work in groups on transmission, protection and the correct use of condoms, with the aim of reducing stigma and improving practical understanding.
The campaign cites 2024 data showing that almost 30% of new HIV cases were in people under 30 and that 53.9% of new diagnoses were made at an advanced stage. Those national figures do not identify the health of a particular pupil or school.
Education and clinical care have different jobs
A school session can answer general questions and help a pupil recognise reliable information. Symptoms, exposure, vaccination, contraception or testing require an individual health route with appropriate confidentiality.
Families and schools should signpost services without demanding that a pupil disclose private health information publicly. An immediate medical emergency requires 112.
What you can do now.
- 01
Ask the school whether it is participating and how the session is organised.
- 02
Use an appropriate health service for confidential testing or individual advice.
- 03
Rely on DGS or clinician information rather than social-media claims.
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