Zonaprotetta celebrates 40 years: from AIDS fight to aware sexuality
The Zonaprotetta association turns 40, marking the shift from the fight against AIDS to promoting aware sexuality in Ticino.
Contesto
In brief - Zonaprotetta celebrates 40 years of activity - 20,000 condoms distributed annually - 710 rapid and anonymous HIV and syphilis tests ## Key facts - What: Celebration of Zonaprotetta's 40th anniversary - When: 2026 - Where: Molino Nuovo, Lugano - Who: Vincenza Guarnaccia, coordinator of Zonaprotetta - Amount: 20,000 condoms distributed annually The association Zonaprotetta, founded as Aiuto Aids Ticino (Aat) in 1985, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a review of its activities and a permanent exhibition. The coordinator Vincenza Guarnaccia, who has been working with the association for thirty years, emphasized how the organization has evolved from fighting a disease to a positive and aware approach to sexuality. In 2025, Zonaprotetta recorded over 7,000 contacts, with more than 300 young people spontaneously seeking information and prevention materials. Approximately 20,000 condoms were distributed, and 710 rapid and anonymous tests for HIV and syphilis were conducted. Additionally, over 500 anonymous telephone consultations were provided. 'It is an important field because, despite progress, there remains a strong social taboo in talking about sexuality,' observed Guarnaccia. The association has closely collaborated with the Infectious Diseases Service of the Ente ospedaliero cantonale (Eoc), which was established as an HIV outpatient clinic in 1990 by Dr. Ignazio Cassis. ### The story of Zonaprotetta The history of Zonaprotetta is closely linked to the HIV virus. Two years before the founding of Aat, a group promoting homosocial relationships was already established, which, with the first HIV cases in Ticino, became active by providing the basis for the activity: volunteering. 'It was fundamental,' observes the coordinator, 'because the recognition, c...
Dettagli operativi
Current Challenges Today, Zonaprotetta faces different challenges compared to the past. The disease has become manageable, albeit for life, and the focus has shifted towards promoting conscious and safe sexuality. 'This has also been a moment of change for us,' states Guarnaccia. 'Volunteer accompaniment has dwindled and then definitively ceased in 2006, while social services and prevention activities have become increasingly important.' The association has had to deal with confidentiality, anonymity, and protection throughout its existence. In the 1980s and 1990s, these virtues were essential to concretely help people affected by the disease. However, over time, they risked making the association invisible. That's why, in 2008, Zonaprotetta was born, a visible and easily accessible space to break the taboos still present on topics related to sexuality. ### The Importance of Prevention The distribution of condoms and the promotion of rapid and anonymous tests remain fundamental. 'This is an area that remains important because, despite progress, there is still a strong social taboo about discussing sexuality,' emphasizes Guarnaccia. The association continues to urge young people to become aware of the importance of prevention and to break the taboos related to sexuality. ### Collaborations and Future Projects Zonaprotetta closely collaborates with the Infectious Diseases Service of the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC). This collaboration is essential to ensure quality services and to reach a wider audience. The association continues to work on awareness and prevention projects, aiming to promote conscious and safe sexuality. ### Social Impact Despite the progress in therapies, the social impact of HIV remains a challenge. 'The problem of social impact, how to talk ab...
Punti chiave
What to do to get support If you're concerned about your sexual health or need information, Zonaprotetta offers a range of services. You can visit their headquarters in Molino Nuovo, Lugano, to receive anonymous counseling and prevention materials. Additionally, the association offers rapid and anonymous tests for HIV and syphilis. ### Steps to get support 1. Visit the headquarters: Go to Zonaprotetta's headquarters at via Bagutti 2 in Molino Nuovo, Lugano. 2. Request counseling: You can book a phone counseling session or drop in spontaneously to speak with an expert. 3. Get prevention materials: Zonaprotetta distributes condoms and other prevention materials for free. 4. Take a rapid test: If necessary, you can take a rapid and anonymous test for HIV and syphilis. ### Useful tools For more information and support, you can use the sexual risk calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool helps you assess your risk and make informed decisions about your sexual health. ### Conclusion Zonaprotetta continues to play a fundamental role in promoting sexual health in Ticino. With the support of professionals and volunteers, the association offers essential services for prevention and awareness. If you need support or information, do not hesitate to contact Zonaprotetta or use the tools available on Frontaliere Ticino. Source: laregione.ch
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What services does Zonaprotetta offer?
- Zonaprotetta offers anonymous consultations, distribution of condoms and prevention materials, and rapid and anonymous tests for HIV and syphilis. The association also works to promote conscious and safe sexuality.
- How can I get support from Zonaprotetta?
- You can visit Zonaprotetta's headquarters in Molino Nuovo, Lugano, to receive consultations and prevention materials. Additionally, you can take rapid and anonymous tests for HIV and syphilis.
- What is the social impact of HIV today?
- Despite advances in therapies, the social impact of HIV remains a challenge. Zonaprotetta continues to work to reduce discrimination and promote the acceptance of people with HIV, offering support and counseling.