The event is organised by the Valencian Medical Students Association (AVEM) with the financial support of the Universitat de València and the Official College of Doctors of Valencia.  The favourable reception of this initiative is thanks to not only the university community, but also the several external associations such as Doctors without Borders, the Official College of Doctors of Valencia, the Valencian Institute of Special Odontology, Latiendo Junto and Red Cross.

“One of the proposals of this project is to look for the training and critical spirit as the basis for deconstructing the reality of the health sector in the society, and helping to improve it”, explains the president of AVEM, Mª Isabel Garrido. Furthermore, the vice president of AVEM, David Rodrigo, remembers that “ since the Health Fair started more than ten years ago, it represents a good opportunity for students to be in contact with patients in a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, away from the health centres and hospitals”.

The subject of this year is the depression

This year, the subject chosen by the World Health Organization is the depression. This is the main global cause of disability that affects people of all ages, social conditions and countries. In order to destigmatise the depression in society, it is necessary to talk about it, and for this reason, the WHO has chosen ‘Let’s talk about depression’ as the motto of the campaign. In fact, talking about feelings with a reliable person could be the first step to heal.

The people who attend the session could take part in hundreds of free activities related with health.

During the session, students and teachers will bring the health closer to the population and will promote healthy habits.  Volunteers will be located in different canopies and will offer information, advice and activities about specific issues. In the canopies, there will be carried out some initiatives such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques, exercises for elderly people, sign language, dermatology practice, blood pressure and sugar level measurements, oral hygiene workshop, ophthalmological tests, workshops on sexuality and ITS prevention, alcoholism, drug consumption, among others. One of the most noticeable is the 'Hospital d’ossets’, an initiative addressed to children. It tries to bring the medicine and its procedures closer to them, so they will lost the fear and mistrust.

Last year hundreds of magazines were distributed for the occasion. It is expected this year that the participation will increase and also the number of visitors during the session.