ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Zamboanga City Health Office has intensified efforts to educate the public on HIV—the virus that causes AIDS—to dispel the stigma and discrimination against those who have fallen ill, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The city local government unit (LGU), through its Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC), is making concerted efforts to educate the public on HIV.
The lack of public knowledge poses significant challenges for Zamboangeños in accessing HIV prevention, treatment, and care services, causing many HIV patients to hesitate in seeking professional help, contributing to the growing number of HIV cases in Region 9.
Recent data indicate that 1,086 cases were registered in Zamboanga City from 1995 to March 2024, with the majority of patients aged 15 to 25.
Rhoy Diaz from the RHWC clarified that HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through sharing utensils, apparel, or skin-to-skin contact. Instead, it is transmitted through four primary routes: unprotected sex, sharing syringes, mother-to-child transmission, and blood transfusions.
“Knowledge about HIV is important; we need to understand and know what this disease is all about so that we are not afraid,” Diaz said during the Kapihan in Zamboanga at SM Mindpro.
Diaz reiterated the importance of the ABCDE method for HIV prevention, which stands for Abstinence, Being mutually faithful to your partner, Correct and consistent use of condoms, Do not engage in substance use or sharing needles, and Early detection and treatment.
The RHWC aims to eradicate HIV/AIDS by providing anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for free to HIV patients. Zamboanga has eight treatment hubs for HIV patients, one of which is located at the Zamboanga City Medical Center.
“It’s important to protect ourselves so we don’t get the infection; there are many ways to protect ourselves so we don’t get the HIV infection,” Diaz said, highlighting the significance of early detection and treatment through free HIV tests available to individuals as young as 15 years old. (MLE/DBE-GIP/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City)
