THE City Health Office (CHO) is intensifying efforts to combat the rising number of HIV cases by promoting free and confidential testing, particularly among high-risk groups.
Despite ongoing public health campaigns, recent data shows an uptick in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the region, prompting urgent action.
Dr. Ronald Romano, program coordinator at the CHO’s Reproductive Health and Wellness Center for STD and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, urged individuals engaging in unprotected sex or with multiple partners to take advantage of free HIV testing at the NEST Wellness Hub.
“We want people to take control of their health,” Romano said, pointing out that early detection is crucial to preventing further transmission of HIV and other STIs.
The NEST Wellness Hub, the city’s primary HIV treatment facility, offers confidential testing for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and other STIs.
Operated under the Local AIDS Council chaired by Mayor Rolando Uy, the facility is PhilHealth-accredited and adheres to the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018, ensuring strict client confidentiality.
Romano noted that stigma and discrimination remain major obstacles to testing and treatment.
“Stigma keeps people away from clinics. We need to stop it,” he said.
While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus, prevent its transmission, and help people living with HIV avoid progression to AIDS.
As part of its expanded public health outreach, city officials are calling on residents not only to get tested but also to help build a stigma-free environment where people can seek care without fear or shame.
