Taguig City Government Honors Lives Lost to HIV/AIDS
The Taguig City government recently organized the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day to remember those who have passed away due to HIV/AIDS. This event also highlighted ongoing efforts in HIV prevention and treatment, stressing the vital role of community participation in tackling HIV and AIDS-related challenges.
AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, represents the most advanced phase of HIV infection, according to health experts. The Taguig City government actively promotes awareness, testing, and treatment as key strategies to combat the disease.
Mayor Cayetano Champions Safe HIV Testing
In a public Facebook post, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano assured residents that HIV testing in the city is safe and accessible. To demonstrate this, she personally underwent testing at the Taguig Social Hygiene Clinic & Drop-In Center. She emphasized, “We know ourselves best. Hindi na kailangan maghintay ng sintomas. If you had participated in a high-risk behavior such as having unprotected sexual contact and having multiple sexual partners, mahalaga na alam mo ang iyong health status, magpatest na!”
Mayor Cayetano’s message encourages early testing without waiting for symptoms, especially for those who may have engaged in behaviors that increase HIV risk.
Rising HIV Cases and Regional Statistics
From January to March of this year, the Department of Health reported 5,101 new HIV-positive cases, marking a 50 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Among these, the National Capital Region accounted for 1,251 cases (25 percent), followed by Region IV-A with 905 cases (18 percent), Region III with 554 cases (11 percent), Region XI with 306 cases (6 percent), and Region VI with 257 cases (5 percent).
Despite the rise in new cases, the number of HIV-related deaths in the first quarter dropped by 52 percent, with 145 deaths recorded nationwide. Since the first case in 1984, a total of 148,831 HIV cases have been documented in the Philippines.
Local Initiatives and Recognition
Mayor Cayetano highlighted her 2018 commitment to the Paris Declaration under the Fast Track Cities Initiative, which aims to end AIDS through strengthened local actions. Taguig’s HIV testing center, established in 2014, has been pivotal in these efforts.
Recently, the Department of Health recognized Taguig for having the highest number of HIV screenings conducted within a week in the National Capital Region. This achievement underscores the city’s proactive stance in HIV awareness and prevention.
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