The City Government of Caloocan, led by Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan launched “10 Minutes Awra,” a free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counseling program on February 20 and 24.
The said program is in partnership with Caloocan Social Hygience Clinic, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Pilipinas Shell, United States Agency for International Development, PEPFAR, FHI-360, EpiC Project, TLF Share and Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development.
City Health Department (CHD) Officer-in-charge Dra. Evelyn Cuevas stated that testing is accessible, fast and non-invasive.
“Marami na po tayong mga testing centers sa buong NCR. Ito pong programa ay inilunsad natin sa Caloocan para sa ating mga kababayan. Mabilis at non-invasive po ang proseso,” she said.
In addition, she emphasized that the said program likewise aims to raise awareness on the symptoms, stages, progression, and possible treatment aside from the free testing.
“Liban po sa libreng testing, tinatalakay po ng ating program ang iba’t ibang sintomas, kalubhaan, maging ang mga posibleng paglulunas sa nasabing sakit,” Dra. Cuevas stated.
According to the Mayor, the local government intends to inform and guide its citizens on the facilities and programs aligned with HIV prevention and counseling for those who contracted the said infection as well as those in contact with the patients.
“Ito po ay bahagi ng ating pagnanais na matugunan ang mga pangangailangang medikal ng ating mga kababayan at magabayan sila hinggil sa sakit na HIV,” Mayor Along said.
“Sa pamamagitan din po ng ating counseling, umaasa po ang Pamahalaang Lungsod na mabigyang linaw ang mga maling paniniwala sa HIV at magabayan ang mga kasalukuyang nakikipaglaban sa nasabing sakit at kanilang mga nakakasalamuha,” he added.