By Nimfa Estrellado Mayor Orlan Calayag speaks about the importance of community awareness and support in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis in ...
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| Mayor Orlan Calayag speaks about the importance of community awareness and support in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis in the Philippines during the recently launched comprehensive HIV awareness campaign, offering free testing and education programs to the community. (Photo from UNLAD Dolores) |
DOLORES, Quezon — Against the backdrop of a concerning rise in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections across the Philippines, the local government of Dolores has launched a comprehensive HIV awareness campaign, offering free testing and education programs to the community.
Mayor Orlan Calayag, who led the campaign to eradicate the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, stated, "We are not simply raising awareness, we are actively dismantling the barriers and combating the discrimination that hinders individuals from seeking vital help and information."
This commitment takes on added urgency in light of data from Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), which revealed a troubling trend of increasing new HIV infections in the Philippines in 2022. Reported cases rose to 24,000, a significant increase from 10,000 in 2015. While 63% of people living with HIV/AIDS are aware of their status, only 41% have opted for treatment, highlighting the need for increased access and support.
Organized by the Rural Health Unit in partnership with the Quezon Provincial Health Office and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., PROTECTS (PSFI-PROTECTS) served as a critical platform for education and empowerment. Dr. Ruby Ana Dimaano, an infectious disease specialist with the Quezon Provincial Health Office, provided attendees with essential information on sexually transmitted diseases, with a particular emphasis on HIV prevention strategies, including safe sex practices, condom use, and the availability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Beyond prevention, the symposium emphasized a comprehensive approach to combating HIV, built upon five key pillars: actively preventing new infections among vulnerable populations; ensuring access to high-quality care and treatment for people living with HIV; safeguarding the rights of those affected by or at risk for HIV; bolstering health and community systems; and maintaining a sustained and resilient response to the epidemic.
Dr. Dimaano highlighted the importance of knowledge as a tool for community protection. "When we know better, we do better, " she stated, emphasizing the critical role of education in empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health."This is about empowering ourselves and those we care about."
"By fostering a safe environment for open dialogue, learning, and accessible screening, Dolores is setting a commendable example in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The symposium served as a testament to the town's dedication to building an inclusive community where knowledge and support empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being." she added.
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