VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The City Government of Vigan, through the City Health Office (CHO), has intensified its efforts to raise awareness about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) during the observance of World AIDS Day 2024.
From Dec.1 to 6, awareness campaigns were held in front of the city hall and at the Vigan Public Market, serving as platforms for educating the public on HIV prevention and treatment.
On Dec. 4, public and private high schools participated in the HIV-AIDS Awareness and Prevention Campaign Corner Competition, where students showcased their creativity in promoting HIV education.
Free HIV-AIDS testing was offered in all 39 barangay health centers from December 9 to 13. On December 12, a short film competition was held at the Vigan Culture and Trade Center, highlighting the use of media as a tool for advocacy.
Honoring advocacy excellence
Outstanding participants in the various competitions were also honored for their contributions, including the Vigan National High School East which won the Campaign Corner Competition, receiving a cash prize of P10,000.
Monica Abella earned the title of Best HIV Banner and took home a P5,000 cash prize while Echo Film Studios won the Short Film Competition, bagging a P15,000 cash prize.
Continuing HIV awareness and support
City Health Officer Dr. Loida Ranches meanwhile emphasized the importance of education in combating HIV and AIDS.
“The most effective way to prevent illness is knowing what the disease is, so our goal for these activities that we conducted is to broaden our information dissemination initiatives,” Ranches said.
Ranchez further explained that HIV first attacks the immune system, while AIDS represents the latter stage of infection.
She further mentioned that the city government provides various support to people living with HIV, including transportation allowances and meal support for medical appointments, coverage for certain medical tests not included in standard treatment packages, and livelihood assistance, assessed on a case-by-case basis.
“Those who are aware are safe, so there are a lot of ways we can educate ourselves and learn about this illness—participate with the programs of the government not only in Vigan but all towns have their initiatives,” Ranches added.
Ranches continued that for those who are not yet aware, there are community-based organizations that are authorized and trained to test if they may be uncomfortable visiting the CHO.
She also highlighted that though HIV has no cure, there are treatments to prevent it from progressing to AIDS. These are available at the treatment hub in Gabriela Silang-Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital.
Furthering the advocacy through media
Echo Film Studios Director Ericho Mangoba meanwhile commended the city government for creating platforms like the short film competition.
“I think, for us filmmakers, this is a good avenue for us to be able to spread awareness and use our talents for a good cause,” Mangoba said.
Mangoba also thanked the city government and the CHO for providing them the platform to help educate and showcase their craft.
The CHO has recorded eight cases of HIV-AIDS from January to August 2024, bringing the total of current cases in Ilocos Sur to 61.
Dr. Ranches urged residents to prioritize their health by getting tested to know their status, reassuring them that their results would remain strictly confidential.
She emphasized that early detection is crucial, as it can significantly improve outcomes and make a profound difference in managing one’s health. (CCMT/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
