October 15, 2025
Action for Mothers and Children (AMC), in partnership with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), is launching the “No Shame in Testing” campaign today to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and combat the stigma surrounding testing and treatment. The campaign aims to empower young people and communities across Kosovo to speak openly about sexual health and take proactive steps toward STI prevention and care.
According to data from the National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo (IKSHPK), presented by healthcare providers and public health experts during AMC’s Roundtable Discussion on Sexually Transmitted Infections in Kosovo earlier this year, reported STI cases have increased significantly, with Prishtina identified as the most affected region.
Experts emphasized that the lack of free and accessible STI testing and treatment continues to be one of the biggest barriers to reducing transmission. To help address this gap, AMC and CFLI have produced a 2:09-minute video featuring key information about common STIs, how they spread and where individuals can get tested.
“Getting tested isn’t something to be ashamed of, it’s a sign of responsibility and self-care,” said Rina Demiri Spahija, executive director of Action for Mothers and Children. “Testing protects not only yourself but also your partner and your community. Through the #NoShameinTesting campaign, we want to empower young people to speak openly about sexual health, make informed choices and seek medical care without fear or stigma. There should be no shame in protecting your health because when it comes to sexual health, being safe is sexy.”
In addition to the awareness video, the “No Shame in Testing” campaign will feature a series of social media posts focused on STI prevention, early diagnosis and the importance of routine testing. AMC and CFLI are also encouraging television stations to air the campaign video to help reach a wider audience and spark open dialogue about sexual health.