Bulakenyos can now avail free HIV testing in Damayan sa Barangay this December
CITY OF MALOLOS – As part of the Provincial HIV Testing Month this December, Bulakenyos can now get free screening on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Damayan sa Barangay, a program of the Provincial Government of Bulacan headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando, through the Luntiang Silong of the Bulacan Medical Center and the Provincial Health Office-Public Health.
In its pilot procedure conducted last week in Barangay Sta. Lucia in Calumpit town, 25 Bulakenyos has availed of the free HIV testing.
Fernando encourages the Bulakenyos to get tested on HIV and to set aside their worries because the health workers tasked to perform the procedure are trained to do the said testing as well as to give counselling.
“Ang mataas na bilang ng kaso sa ating lalawigan ay nagpapakita lamang na karamihan pa rin sa ating mga kabataan ang nakikipagtalik ng walang proteksyon. Kaya naman patuloy ang ating kampanya upang ating masugpo ang lumalang kaso ng HIV dito sa ating lalawigan. ‘Wag pong mag-alala at ‘wag mahiya ang ating mga kalalawigan dahil libre lamang po ang screening gayundin ang gamutan ng HIV,” the governor said.
As of June 2019, the Province of Bulacan has the highest number of HIV cases in Region 3 with 2,317 cases, thus, it also has the greatest number of HIV Treatment Hub in the region.
Meanwhile, as part of the World AIDS Day celebration, the PGB recognized HIV facilities and PLHIV Support Hub for their contribution on the strengthening of HIV, AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program coinciding the Monday Flag Ceremony held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city recently.
Included on the recognized facilities are the Luntiang Silong-Bulacan Medical Center, Gintong Kanlungan Guiguinto RHU II, Embrace Unit of ACE Medical Center, Villa Esperanza of the City of San Jose del Monte, Home of Bamboos of the City of Meycauayan, Kanaryong Silungan of Marilao, The Green Clinic of R.E. De Jesus Multi-Specialty Clinic and Diagnostic Center, Bulakan Social Hygiene Clinic-Bulakan RHU II, Hagonoy Social Hygiene Clinic-RHU I, San Rafael Social Hygiene-RHU I, Pulilan Social Hygiene Clinic-Pulilan RHU II and Santa Maria Social Hygiene Clinic-Santa Maria RHU IV.
HIV attacks cells and weakens the immune system making a person vulnerable to infections and diseases. It can be transferred through unprotected penetrative sexual intercourse, transfusion of contaminated blood and blood products, and mother to child transmission pregnancy, childbirth delivery and breastfeeding.