BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) continues to rise over the years, and remains a health challenge.

Data from the Department of Health in the Cordillera (DOH-CAR) showed that from 1984 to September 2023, there were 1,046 confirmed HIV/AIDS cases in the region. 

From January to Sept. last year alone, there were 111 new cases recorded, and cases continue to rise.

DOH-CAR HIV/AIDS regional program manager Darwin Babon clarified that the increase in reported cases is attributed to the strengthened case finding, and efforts of various sectors particularly in testing and diagnosis activities.

To reverse the HIV/AIDS epidemic trend in the region, the DOH continues to implement various programs in partnership with different stakeholders. One key program in the region is the NAMNAMA project. 

NAMNAMA, an Iluko word which means hope, desire, or wish, is adapted as an acronym, which stands for Nurturing Awareness, Mobilizing Networks, and Advocating to Mitigate the impact of AIDS in the Cordillera.

Nurturing Awareness

The DOH invests heavily in health promotion and health education. With this, the office aims to create demands for HIV testing, and for those who are positive,  to seek treatment. This is also to encourage individuals to take proactive steps and get tested.

"Dapat ma-encourage tayo ti kailian tayo nga agpa-test, dapat ma-encourage tayo ti kailian ken kabagian tayo nga ag-seek iti treatment once ammo dan ti HIV status da. And dapat ammo da nga iti maysa nga route ket sexual activity, dapat ammo da nga protektaran ti bagi da," Babon said.

[We should encourage our townmates to go for a test, we should encourage them to seek treatment  once they know their HIV status. They should know that one route of getting HIV is through sexual activity; they should know how to protect themselves.]

The STI-HIV Prevention Control-Cordillera also developed online comics as a strategy to raise awareness, connect and engage communities in the prevention of said disease.

Mobilizing Networks

The DOH partners with various stakeholders in their campaign to reverse the HIV/AIDS epidemic trend.

Babon said the local government units remain the main actors in ending HIV/AIDS. To assist LGUs, they provide them with capacity building activities.

Likewise, they tap the vulnerable, affected population, and other sectors to work toward a common goal of ending HIV/AIDS.

All partners including community-based organizations gather for an annual meeting to talk about the programs of each organization, and harmonize the efforts to end HIV/AIDS, Babon added.

Mitigate the impact of AIDS

Babon said they advocate for healthy schools, healthy communities, and healthy workplaces.

The DOH-CAR has already started an HIV policy in the workplace, making condoms and lubricants available in  its rest rooms.

"Maysa laeng nga strategy dayta ngem ti kayat tayo ilawlawag, dapat awan ti stigma and discrimination," Babon emphasized.

[That is just one strategy, and what we want to emphasize is that there should be no stigma, and discrimination.]

He emphasized that HIV policy in workplaces must be in place, from accepting applicants, transfers, or employment. This also applies in schools and communities.

He assured that the DOH is ready to provide technical assistance to maximize available resources.

Part of the project is also adopting schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas such as a school in Ankileng, Sagada, Mountain Province. 

This aims to equip learners with the proper knowledge of HIV, prepare them when they go to urban areas, and ensure that they are able to protect themselves and others. 

Babon encouraged those who are in doubt to not be afraid, and instead, visit the nearest primary care facility, or health center in their area to have themselves checked. He assured that the HIV testing is free, results are fast, and information is treated with confidentiality. Patients will be provided with the necessary support regardless of the test results.

Babon called for everyone's support as he assured the continuous conduct of programs and services to reverse the trend of HIV/AIDS, as well as to eliminate the stigma. 

"Kailangan po namin ng inyong tulong at partisipasyon. Kailangan po namin ang inyong pakikiisa nang sa gayon ay sama-sama po tayong lumaban para ma-reverse ang trend ng HIV epidemic idtoy Cordillera," he said.

[We need your help and participation. We need your cooperation so that we are united in our efforts to reverse the epidemic trend of HIV in the Cordillera.]

With collective efforts, progress can be made in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

For individuals who have queries or concerns, they may contact the STI-HIV NAMNAMA hotlines, 0962-990-3804 and 0966-081-7713.  (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)