Cavite Pharmacists on HIV, SOGIESC and PrEP Orientation

By PGC Cavite Pharmacists on HIV, SOGIESC and PrEP Orientation TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite - To educate and raise awareness about HIV pr...

By PGC

Cavite Pharmacists on HIV, SOGIESC and PrEP Orientation

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite - To educate and raise awareness about HIV prevention and promote sexual and gender diversity, the Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC), through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), in partnership with the Philippine Society of Hospital Pharmacists – Cavite Chapter (PSHP), carried out an Orientation on HIV 101, SOGIESC and PrEP at Cavite Collaboration Center for Public Health, Trece Martires City on April 26, 2023.

The program started with the acknowledgment of participants by Ms. Raquel R. Burgos, RPh, MBA, PSHP Chapter President.



Likewise, Dr. Nonie John Dalisay, head of Cavite PHO, welcomed the attendees and assured them that the PHO in general is very supportive in any activities related to health and quality services.

Ms. Haydelisa Maderazo, Registered Nurse and Provincial HIV Program Coordinator, gave a lecture on HIV disease – its myths, symptoms, transmission, and treatment. She also discussed the impact of the disease on individuals and society, encouraging people to get tested and enumerating the facilities and hubs that offer free HIV screening and testing in Cavite province.

In the second part of the orientation, Mr. Symson G. Maquera, Area Regional Coordinator of DOH Region IV-A (CaLaBaRZon), tackled the topic Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics. Mr. Maquera engaged the participants by asking what they thought when they heard the words lesbian, gay, and transgender. As he walked around the venue, gathering feedback from participants, he was pleased to see how people had already built positive, safe and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.

Following the SOGIESC topic, Mr. Maquera also delivered a presentation on the role of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in HIV prevention. He shared the proper use, dosage, benefits, and effectiveness of PrEP for safer intercourse and practices.

The talks of the resource speakers give hope in removing stigmatization and promoting positive attitudes toward sexual and gender differences, as well as, people living with HIV.

Various exhibitors were also present in the activity, including Medhart Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Delex Pharma International Inc., Dynasty Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Medhaus Pharma Inc., Sannovex Pharmaceuticals, Natrapharm, ERS Enterprise, Bbraun, BVS Bioscience Phils, Ins. and Mega Soft Hygienic Products, Inc.