PGB maximizes social media to educate Bulakenyos and combat HIV/AIDS

CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) through the Provincial Public Health Office (PPHO) continues to raise awareness on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and thought of maximizing the social media to promote programs that will prevent the widespread of the said infection.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the PPHO in partnership with the Bulacan State University created #ThinkPositive, a social media campaign that promotes HIV awareness to the citizens most especially the youth sector because they are the most active users of social media including Facebook, Instagram and twitter accounts among others.

Alvarado also said that the PPHO continuously implements HIV, AIDS, and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Prevention Control Program hence will now give special attention to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, more commonly known as the LGBT Community and the youth to let them learn more about the ways on how to prevent acquiring the said virus.

According to Dr. Jocelyn Gomez, statistics show that the spread of the said virus to these groups record the highest number.

PPHO Health Program Coordinator Brian Alfonso said that the purpose of the program is not just for raising awareness but also to eliminate discrimination towards People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

According to the latest report of DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, Bulacan recorded 275 new infections and 27 at AIDS condition in 2016 alone.

“Even though HIV/AIDS cases last year have increased, it also serves as a good indicator because the increase was the effect of the intensified awareness campaigns to many individuals. Dahil doon, marami ang nahihikayat magpasuri at mas naiiwasan ang paglala ng karamdaman o kung hindi man, mas naiisip na mag-ingat,” Alfonso said.

Meanwhile, the governor also added that there are HIV Treatment Hubs in the province where people can go including ‘Luntiang Silong’ of the Bulacan Medical Center, ‘Gintong Kanlungan’ of the Guiguinto RHU II, and the Ospital ng Lungsod ng SJDM that offers pre and post test counseling, HIV testing and free antiretroviral therapy medications.

Luntiang Silong, located at 3rd Floor BMC New Building, is open Mondays through Fridays, from 8-5 pm and may be directly reached through mobile number (0932) 547 8856.

The PPHO encourages all sexually active who think they have been exposed to HIV to go to the nearest clinic to consult for a counseling and undergo test.

HIV is a virus that an individual can get from unprotected sexual intercourse. Without proper treatment, it can lead to AIDS which is more dangerous because it weakens the immune system of an individual. HIV and AIDS are not deadly viruses but may cause implications and complications that can lead to death.