BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) will launch the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) self-test in the Cordillera by 2025.
Darwin Francisco Babon, National AIDS STI Prevention and Control Program manager of DOH-Cordillera, said they are just waiting for the clear guidelines from their central office for the not-assisted HIV testing.
“You can get your test kit, do the test at the comfort of your own home, and then report the result within 48 hours,” Babon said.
As of now, healthcare facilities in the region are conducting assisted HIV self-testing where clients can test themselves but with the guidance of a counselor or health worker.
Babon added that DOH-CAR also conducts community-based HIV screening by finger pricking and not by blood extraction.
“In 15 minutes, you can get results. Hindi na po siya laboratory-based. Kung gusto mo ng official result signed by a medical technologist and validated by a pathologist, you can go to our DOH-certified laboratories,” he said.
DOH also brings its services closer to communities with the mobile health services van.
Babon assured that any information of clients is dealt with utmost confidentiality.
He urged the public especially those who are engaged in risky behaviors or unprotected sex or with multiple partners to have themselves tested because “a day delayed, the virus in the body can always shoot up.”
He added the HIV testing and treatment for HIV positives are free.
“Kung nagpa-test ka na libre at nalaman mo na wala kang HIV, you have to sustain that HIV-negative status by making sure that every time you engage in risky behavior, you protect yourself. If you are HIV positive, this is not the end of the line. There are treatments available, and you can still go with your normal life. However, kailangan lang nating i-review at balikan kung ano ang kailangan nating baguhin sa ating behavior,” Babon explained.
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs at the most advanced stage of infection. HIV can be prevented and treated with antiretroviral therapy. Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, often after many years.
The World Health Organization said there is no cure for HIV infection, however, with access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)
