The Department of Health (DOH) and the Dumaguete City Health Office (CHO) are intensifying their efforts to provide free testing, treatment and sustained patient monitoring as part of its human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) program.
According to CHO medical officer Diane Montecino, the city government runs its own HIV testing hub that offers confidential, pre- and post-counselling services free of charge.
Once an individual is confirmed HIV-positive, they are immediately enrolled for free antiretroviral therapy (ART), courtesy of the Global Fund.
For DOH-NIR, the fund provides technical assistance to facilities that aim to become treatment hubs or primary HIV care clinics by guiding them through the necessary requirements and standards.
This includes training healthcare providers on HIV care, ensuring proper infrastructure and infection control, and supporting the establishment of referral systems.
Records show that Dumaguete City logged 150 cases of people living with HIV from January to July 2024, while the DOH-NIR recorded 125 new HIV cases for the first quarter of 2025.
Montecino said that HIV, which causes AIDS, is on the rise in the city where transmission is high among men having sex with men, a trend that has been consistent over recent years.
HIV is primarily transmitted through four bodily fluids: blood, semen, vaginal discharge, and breast milk.
Montecino clarified that it cannot be spread through casual contact, such as kissing, sharing a toilet or swimming in a pool.
She emphasized the importance of early detection and consistent medication.
“HIV is treatable. It’s not curable, but it is treatable,” said Montecino.
DOH-NIR Center for Health Development HIV/AIDS program manager Karen Joy Corteza Mana-ay said it is important to improve public education anchored on accurate information.
“The negative views about HIV/AIDS make it hard for people to get the care and support they need. To change this, we need to focus on education, empathy, awareness, and continuous provision of services,” Mana-ay said.
The city government is also working closely with schools, call centers, and private companies for surveillance and education efforts.
Health officials are encouraging the public to get tested regularly, especially those who may be at higher risk, and to help break the stigma by staying informed about HIV.
Both the DOH and Dumaguete City government will also hold a series of public education and advocacy activities to mark this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.
With the theme, “We Remember. We Rise. We Lead,” the memorial aims to honor the lives lost to AIDS and stand with those living with HIV. (PIA-7 Negros Oriental)