The Provincial Government of Pampanga has announced the availability of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing and treatment centers across the province.
The Department of Health (DOH) said the Philippines has seen a 500% increase in HIV cases, with 57 confirmed cases reported daily from January to March this year.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system
The country logged the highest number of new HIV cases in the Western Pacific Region.
In response to this, the DOH urged the public to undergo HIV testing, which is free and confidential.
The agency also called in the people to adopt prevention methods such as the use of condoms, lubricants, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
For Pampanga residents diagnosed with HIV, regular consultations and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) are strongly encouraged.
All Rural Health Units (RHUs) in the province serve as screening centers for HIV, the Capitol said.
The provincial government has designated treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities, including Apalit Doctors’ Hospital, Inc. (ADHOPE Unit), Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (Bahay Lingad), Mabalacat City RHU 1 (Amlat Mabalacat), and the Regional TB-HIV Support Network, Inc. (Lakan Community Center and Primary HIV Care Clinic).
These efforts aim to promote early detection, timely treatment, and community awareness to curb the spread of the virus.