GIVING impetus to the World Aids Day Celebration on December 2, the Capiz provincial government and the Department of Health have inaugurated the HIV Treatment Hub and Primary Care clinic in the province.
The ceremonial launching was held at the Hall of Governors at the Provincial Capitol led by DOH-6 director Adriano Subaan, Capiz Governor Fredinel Castro, and Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas. It was a whole day affair focused on HIV prevention through series of orientation and lecture in different areas by DOH personnel.
Another highlight of the activity was the candle lighting ceremony at the Capitol grounds symbolizing the commitment of partners in supporting the prevention of HIV, and helping those infected from stigma.
Provincial Health Officer Ramon Alex Nolasco said that since 1986, the outbreak of HIV/ AIDS, Capiz has 548 cases.
“The treatment hub and primary care HIV clinic is an impact in serving the people living with HIV. This is a big achievement in the province,” he said.
Nolasco said he hopes that there will be vaccine for HIV in the future.
Dadivas lauded the program of Castro. HIV is a social illness, which can be avoided, he added.
Castro said, ”HIV is a mission impossible for our doctors because no one is bold enough to go to the hospital for treatment, no one is brave to submit for examination, it needs the ability of the doctors to suspect those infected with the virus due to stigma, and how to convince the infected to submit for examination.”
“Although we are the lowest in Region 6 as far as HIV is concerned, there are more out there who were infected due to sexual transmission. They must submit for examination because it is treated with full confidentiality,” he said.
Suba-an, meanwhile, said that there are also HIV treatment hubs in other provinces in Western Visasyas.*
