By Paulo Loreto Lim

In light of a Department of Health-Region VI (DOH-6) report naming Iloilo City as the local government unit with the highest number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the region, the Iloilo Social Hygiene Clinic, located within the City Proper District Health Center in Iloilo City, is providing free HIV testing between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on weekdays.

According to Medical Officer IV, Dr. Ma. Odeta B. Villaruel, results are available 40 minutes after the test.

“HIV testing is not solely intended for you to know your HIV status, especially for those who are doing risky behavior,” explained DOH-6 Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit-HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) surveillance assistant Richard Chin, Jr. “You can avail of this HIV screening as a means of desensitizing; for you to know what are the steps being conducted when doing the testing.”

A statement from the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) HIV and AIDS Core Team (HACT) recently suggested those who may be at risk of contracting HIV should get tested.

In addition, an earlier DOH-6 report said there are two HIV cases reported in the Western Visayas every day, based on their most recent data.

Meanwhile, other locations in Iloilo City offering free HIV testing include the Western Visayas Medical Center in the Mandurriao district, along with over 10 private laboratories, Chin noted.

Back in August, the Iloilo Provincial Board passed an ordinance creating the Iloilo Province Multi-Sectoral STI, HIV, and AIDS Prevention and Control Council, with the hopes of providing solutions, control, and prevention measures within the province./PLL, WDJ