The city health office will conduct a free testing drive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases on November 16 to 25, in a bid to encourage everyone to know their HIV status.
Pricilla Senoc, City Health Office Health Education and Promotion Officer III, told Edge Davao on Thursday, that aside from aggressive education and information drive in schools, offices and public gathering, they will create impact and ignite people to know their HIV status.
“They will undergo HIV screening without stigma and discrimination, and to ensure that those diagnosed with HIV infection are linked to quality care and prevention services,” said Senoc.
She said that HIV testing is essential for expanding treatment and ensuring that all people living with HIV can lead healthy and productive lives.
“Unfortunately, many barriers to HIV testing remain. Stigma and discrimination still deters people from taking an HIV test but there are many new ways to access to HIV testing,” she added.
According to Senoc, they will conduct free HIV testing to the three districts in the city and with the help of the city officials, that aimed to encourage the public that there is no shame on accessing the services.
Meanwhile, this year’s World AIDS Day, which will be marking its 30th anniversary on 1 December, aims to raise awareness about the importance of knowing one’s status and calling for the removal of all barriers to accessing HIV testing.
