The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 3 said the activity is in line with the 2015 AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Candlelight Memorial this month and aims to bring heightened attention and “the active support of everyone” in addressing the alarming HIV incidence in the country.
DOH Regional Director Leonita Gorgolon said confidentiality is assured in the HIV testing.
Gorgolon also said counselling is available in all the partner social hygiene clinics of the DOH as well as in Treatment Hubs of the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital in Olongapo City and the Jose B. Lingad Regional Hospital here.
She said on-site testing is likewise available on May 11 at the DOH Regional Office in Barangay Maimpis here, May 11-15 in Angeles City, May 15 in this capital city, and May 17 in Mabalacat City.
A February 2015 data show that there are 23,709 confirmed HIV cases in the country and more than a quarter of them or 26 percent are aged 15-24 years old.
The DOH said there is one person infected with HIV per hour in the country.
“Since 2007, HIV cases have been increasing at an alarming rate,” she said.
“One of the factors for the increase is the low testing rate among our key populations.
As a matter of fact, the 2013 National Demographic Health Survey cited that only two percent of women age 15-49 years old have ever been tested for HIV and know their results,” she added.
