TWO months since pushing for the declaration of a public health emergency, the Department of Health (DOH) is bringing its fight against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to offices and workplaces.
In a statement, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said it is necessary to heighten awareness and enhance the fight against HIV in areas with high human traffic.
"Office workers spend huge hours in the workplace, the reason why DOH intends to reach different offices and workplaces to promote the campaign against HIV," said Herbosa.
"HIV remains to be one of the pressing health issues in the country. There’s a need to intensify the campaign and giving out of services for HIV both in the public and private sectors, including workplaces," he added.
Based on the HIV & Aids Surveillance of the Philippines (Hasp) Report from January to March 2025, one out of two people diagnosed with HIV is from the working population.
These are individuals aged 25 to 34 years old.
To launch the drive in workplaces, the DOH visited several Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies last Sunday at Filinvest Corporate City in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
During the event, the health department distributed free condoms, lubricants, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
It also conducted HIV testing and informed workers about the availability of antiretroviral therapy in case of a positive diagnosis.
The DOH also told the workers that there are 305 DOH-designated HIV care facilities in the country that are ready to provide services to prevent HIV as well as to treat persons living with HIV. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)