QUEZON CITY (PIA) – In celebration of Pride Month, the Quezon City (QC) government has launched “Klinika Eastwood“, a pioneering health facility dedicated to providing comprehensive HIV and STI testing, counseling, and treatment services.
The inauguration marks a significant milestone as the first Private-Public Partnership (PPP) in the Philippines to establish such a facility.
QC Mayor Joy Belmonte led the inauguration ceremony, joined by officials from Megaworld Management, the Philippine National AIDS Council, and the Department of Health. This collaborative effort underscores the city’s commitment to addressing public health challenges through innovative partnerships.
QC currently boasts HIV primary care clinics in five of its six districts, with plans underway to establish one in District 6. Mayor Belmonte emphasized the critical need for these clinics, highlighting their role in addressing the rising cases of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in the country.
“Mahalagang makapaglagay tayo ng dagdag na HIV primary care clinic/treatment hub na madaling puntahan ng QCitizens, mga nagtutungo sa mall, mga residente sa Eastwood at mga karatig barangay,” Mayor Belmonte stated during the event.
(It is important for us to establish additional HIV primary care clinics/treatment hubs that are easily accessible to QCitizens, mall-goers, residents of Eastwood, and neighboring barangays.)
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte leads the inauguration of “Klinika Eastwood”, a pioneering health facility dedicated to providing comprehensive HIV and STI testing, counseling, and treatment services. (Photo: QC PAISD)
The establishment of Klinika Eastwood aligns with the global target of 95-95-95 by 2030.
This initiative aims to ensure that 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of diagnosed individuals are on antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent of those on therapy achieve viral suppression.
These targets are crucial in mitigating the spread of HIV and improving the quality of life for those affected.
This initiative is mandated under SP 3126-S 2021, also known as the Comprehensive Quezon City STI, HIV, and AIDS Prevention and Control Ordinance of 2021.
It is a pivotal part of the city’s broader campaign, “Zero at 2030: Bahagi ka ng Solusyon”, which encourages community involvement in tackling HIV and AIDS.
Klinika Eastwood is set to become a cornerstone of QC’s healthcare infrastructure, providing essential services to its residents and serving as a model for future PPP healthcare initiatives.
The clinic’s comprehensive approach to HIV and STI care will significantly contribute to reducing infection rates and supporting the health and well-being of the community. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
