Students in Wrocław can access free specialist consultations, diagnostic testing and sexual health education through a city-funded programme designed to make STI prevention and early diagnosis easier to access.
The programme, “Dobrostan Wrocławskich Studentów” (Wellbeing of Wrocław Students), is open to students aged 18 and over at any Wrocław university, whether public or private. There are no restrictions based on nationality, health insurance or type of study.
That includes full-time, part-time and evening students.
Free consultations and testing
Students who are concerned about a possible sexually transmitted infection, or who have noticed symptoms, can arrange a free consultation with a specialist doctor and access diagnostic tests as part of the programme.
Importantly for Wrocław's large international student community, Polish citizenship and health insurance are not required. Eligibility is based on being a student at a Wrocław higher education institution.
Appointments can be arranged by calling:
724 222 281
The service is provided at the Ośrodek Profilaktyczno-Leczniczy Chorób Zakaźnych i Terapii Uzależnień, ul. Wszystkich Świętych 2, Wrocław, operated by Wrocławskie Centrum Zdrowia SP ZOZ.
A place to ask questions without judgement
The programme also offers access to a health educator, giving students an opportunity to discuss STI prevention, safer sex and ways of reducing the risk of infection.
The service is intended to be informal and approachable, particularly for people who may be unsure whether they need medical advice or simply want reliable information.
Health educator: 722 086 776
Telephone hours:
Tuesdays, 13:00-15:00
Fridays, 10:00-11:00
The programme also includes a series of STI-related educational lectures, with materials available through YouTube. Updates about the initiative are also published on the Dobrostan Wrocławskich Studentów Facebook profile.
Early diagnosis can make a significant difference
The city's programme comes as sexually transmitted infections remain an important public health issue in Poland. The information supplied by the City of Wrocław highlights increasing numbers of reported infections, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and hepatitis B and C.
Many STIs can be treated effectively, while advances in medicine mean that HIV can now be managed with antiretroviral treatment as a chronic condition.
For students, the programme offers a straightforward route to professional advice and testing without the additional barriers that can sometimes discourage people from seeking help.
Joanna Nyczak, director of the Health Department at Wrocław City Hall, said:
Wrocław is an academic city - more than 100,000 people study here. We want young people not only to have the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop their passions, but also easy access to information, health education and medical assistance. Such a programme is needed because it helps build awareness, break down barriers and encourage people to take care of their own health. Wrocław wants to be a city that offers its students real support and assistance.
She also stressed the importance of knowledge and prompt diagnosis when dealing with sexually transmitted infections.
In the case of sexually transmitted infections, knowledge and rapid diagnosis are very important. We want a student who has a question, notices worrying symptoms or simply wants to learn more about prevention to know where they can receive professional and friendly help. An examination or consultation should not be a reason for embarrassment - it is part of taking responsible care of your health.
The programme is therefore particularly relevant to Wrocław's international student population, including students who may otherwise be uncertain about how to access sexual health services in Poland.
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Source: wroclaw.pl, spzoz.wroc.pl