Nacionalni centar za seksualno i reproduktivno zdravlje - Potent

Mission Statement

Potent is a non-profit, community-based organization established in 2016 by PLHIV (People Living with HIV) in response to the withdrawal of the Global Fund and the cessation of prevention, testing, and psycho-social initiatives in Serbia. Our mission is to enhance sexual and reproductive health by advocating for better treatment access, the introduction of PrEP, expanded STD testing, and reducing stigma against PLHIV and vulnerable groups. We also focus on integrating gender awareness and sexual health into school curriculums and empowering communities to shape relevant policies. Additionally, we are committed to improving the mental health of LGBTQI+ individuals by providing peer support, counseling, and advocacy to address discrimination and mental well-being challenges. Over the last two years, Potent has expanded its impact significantly. We have maintained HIV testing and peer counseling programs, supported by the Ministry of Health and the Global Fund. Our offices in Belgrade, Niš, and Kragujevac serve nearly half of Serbia’s PLHIV population, with our testing programs achieving the highest rate of newly diagnosed cases nationwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Potent discovered nearly one-third of all new HIV cases in Serbia. We partnered with 16 Institutes of Public Health, enabling mobile testing in urban and rural areas, expanding our reach to underserved communities. Potent continues to empower PLHIV, reduce STD incidence, and improve awareness about modern HIV prevention and treatment among communities and healthcare professionals.