THE Zamboanga City Health Office initiated #SALVA UN VIDA Year 2, a human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-Aids) awareness campaign in celebration of World Aids Day on Monday at Centro Latino Convention Hall in this city.

Dr. Dulce Miravite, acting city health officer, said the activity, highlighted by the hip-hop dance competition, intended to let the people know that “HIV and Aids is nothing to be feared but an infection that can be prevented.”

Miravite said the event aimed to give persons living with HIV (PLHIV) the positive outlook in life and end stigma and discrimination.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, who keynote the activity, has thanked all the organizations that have been helping and supporting the government in its campaign against AIDS.

She said the participation of all anti-HIV-Aids advocates in the said activity proves that the city commemorates the struggles and victories of those who suffered and continue to suffer from HIV-Aids.

The mayor reaffirmed her administration’s thrust to continuously implement programs to control and prevent the spread of HIV-Aids with the help of other agencies and organizations.

Miravite said HIV is increasing in Zamboanga City, stressing that 433 persons are living with HIV and Aids based on the registry of the City Health Office and the Zamboanga City Medical Center treatment hub. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)