The City Government of Davao, through the City Health Office (CHO) and in partnership with the reproductive health and wellness sector and the Davao AIDS Council, joined the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on May 23.
The activity is part of the city’s commitment to build a society free from stigma and discrimination against people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS), as well as to remember the lives lost from HIV-AIDS.
Present during the candlelight activity were members of various private groups who advocate against HIV-AIDS, members of the Davao AIDS Council, officials from the CHO, and Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr., and other stakeholders.
During the activity, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message delivered by Dr. Margie Roa-Rubio, Assistant City Health Officer for Operations, urged the public to stand with individuals living with HIV-AIDS.
He also said that the city government will continue to support the community through inclusive programs, accessible and quality reproductive health services, and other community-led initiatives.
“We lead by taking proactive steps to eliminate stigma, raise awareness, and foster a society rooted in compassion, knowledge, and empowerment,” Duterte said.
“This year’s commemoration serves as a solemn reminder of the lives we have lost due to HIV and AIDS as well as a call for us to rise together in solidarity, compassion, and renewed commitment to end the stigma and prevent the further spread of the disease,” he furthered.
The city currently has four treatment hubs– the Davao City Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC), Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), Davao Doctors Hospital, and the recently DOH-accredited Jefferyi by LoveYourself.
These hubs provide patients of HIV-AIDS with Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs distributed by the DOH.
The RHWC also continues to offer free services including HIV screening to the public, and still remains to have adequate supply of medicine.
The center also offers Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication for people at high risk of contracting HIV.
Dr. Jordana Ramiterre, RHWC head, said that the center caters to an average of 400-500 individuals monthly for HIV testing.
The City Government of Davao, through the CHO and the Davao City AIDS Council, continues to urge the public to get tested and to always use protection during intercourse. Proper reproductive health education and early detection are also advised. HIV tests are free in government testing centers along with pre-testing and post-testing counselling. CIO
