By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City government has rolled out a new digital platform aimed at strengthening access to services for treating persons living with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) as the city recorded 1,312 confirmed HIV/AIDS cases as of November 2025, ranking 22nd nationwide among more than 140 local government units.
Health officials said the figures underscore the urgency of sustained prevention and treatment efforts, even as they point to improving public awareness.
Of the total cases, 62 percent involve individuals aged 20 to 39, while the remaining 38 percent fall within the 15 to 19 and 40 to 49 age groups combined.
Cases have been reported in all 61 barangays, with higher concentrations noted in densely populated urban areas.
Despite the numbers, the City Health Office reported a 33 percent increase in voluntary HIV testing compared to 2024, a trend officials attribute to intensified education and outreach programs across schools, workplaces and communities.
To further expand access to care, the city this week launched its HIV/AIDS Online Platform Services, a mobile-first system set to begin full operations on February 28.
The platform allows residents to book free HIV testing appointments at 12 designated city health centers, coordinate medical assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS, and access confidential counseling through secure video or chat consultations with licensed healthcare providers.
City officials said the platform is expected to handle around 500 user interactions per month in its first year, supported by end-to-end encryption to ensure data privacy and confidentiality.
Parallel to the digital rollout, Bacolod has intensified its information and education campaign since July 2025, reaching 32 public high schools, 18 private schools and 27 local enterprises.
The campaign has engaged more than 15,000 students and over 8,000 employees, with assessments showing a 47 percent increase in accurate knowledge about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment.
Additional workshops for barangay officials and community leaders have reached at least 1,200 participants.
“These statistics are more than just figures on a report — they represent our neighbors, friends and loved ones,” said Dr. Maria Elena Santos, head of the city’s HIV/AIDS Program Office.
She said the new platform aims to remove barriers to care by making services more accessible and discreet, while education efforts continue to combat stigma and misinformation.
To sustain these initiatives, the city government has earmarked an additional P2.5 million for HIV/AIDS programs in 2026.
The funding will support expanded testing, improved treatment services, and the continuation of community-based awareness campaigns, as Bacolod works to curb new infections and provide comprehensive support for those affected./CJ, WDJ