Kick-off of the TESTA’T Jove–iCONNECTA project: promoting the sexual health with innovative digital tools
On May 28, took place the launch meeting of the TESTA'T Jove-iCONNECTA project, a leading initiative in public health and funded by La Marató de TV3 that seeks to improve the diagnosis, prevention and access to the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV among young people in Catalonia, integrating a clear gender perspective. The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Public Health Agency of Catalonia, in the Salvany Building, and brought together research groups, collaborating entities and professionals from various fields.
Three digital tools to empower young people
The project is committed to developing three digital tools designed to empower young people in the field of sexual health and to improve access to information, diagnosis, and treatment. The project is led by Dr Cristina Agustí, a researcher at the IGTP's research group Centre for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), which serves as the project's coordinating centre. Dr Agustí is also the principal investigator of Subproject 1 - TESTA'T. This subproject is developing an online platform for the screening of HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea, based on self-sampling among young people, and provides free access to remote treatment in cases of a positive chlamydia result. The project also involves the Microbiology Service of the Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital - Northern Metropolitan Area Laboratory, with Dr Vicky González participating as a collaborating researcher.
Subproject 2 - iCONNECTA, led by Dr Beatriz Mothe from the Fundació Lluita contra les Infeccions, is focused on developing a digital tool for notifying sexual partners.
Subproject 3 - ChatBot-AI, led by Dr Cristina Rius from the Public Health Agency of Barcelona, centres on the development and testing of a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence. This assistant provides reliable information tailored to the needs of young people regarding the prevention of STIs and HIV, incorporating a gender and LGTBI+ perspective.
The project also involves the participation of the Centre Jove d'Atenció a les Sexualitats (CJAS), with Jordi Baroja as a collaborating researcher.
Towards sexual health without barriers
The aim of this project is to make it easier for young people in Catalonia to manage their sexual health in a simple, anonymous, and stigma-free way, through digital solutions designed with scientific rigour, accessibility, and a gender-sensitive approach. These tools aim to break down barriers that hinder access to information and sexual health services, especially those related to stigma, shame and lack of adapted resources. The project is committed to an inclusive, comfortable and empathetic digital health model, with potential for expansion at the state level if proven effective.
A collaborative effort with the support of La Marató
This project reflects the commitment of La Marató de TV3 with initiatives that transform research into real solutions for society, and reinforces the role of the IGTP as a benchmark in translational and innovative research.
With this project, Catalonia is taking another step towards a more informed, inclusive and healthy society, where young people have the tools and confidence to take care of their sexual health.