Getting individuals to admit that they have the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is difficult enough, but to actually have themselves tested for HIV is even more challenging. Which is why news that LoveYourself, Inc. – the leading non-government organization on HIV awareness and testing in the country – has broken the Philippine record on event-based screening is very welcome.
A total of 300 individuals were tested during the first free, anonymous, and fast HIV screening event dubbed as Incognito last May 29 at Victoria Court Malate in Manila. The advocacy group conducted the screening to support the pledge made during the Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2016 of educating and encouraging affected populations to know their status.
Utilizing the “Rapid Test” which involves pricking a finger to get just two drops of blood for screening, the activity revealed that 30 individuals turned out to be reactive to HIV, and were encouraged to enroll in LoveYourself’s treatment program.
“We are glad that we’ve topped our previous mass screening figures, which shows that we are hitting the right populations with our HIV awareness efforts,” said LoveYourself executive director Ronivinn Pagtakhan, adding that the group has attained the highest number of sign-ups of prospective patients of more than 1,200. The number is higher than previous screenings, which shows that there has been increased interest among many to know their HIV status.
According to Pagtakhan, LoveYourself is more than committed to extend its free HIV screening services to anyone who needs it, especially those who are hesitant to come out in the open and get screened. The organization is also strengthening its efforts to bridge those diagnosed with HIV to undertake treatment and make healthier lifestyle changes. The group’s Tatak LoveYourself promise of service that is “Iniingatan at Inaasikaso” (being well-taken care of) carefully considers the needs of individuals in affected populations who may be anxious or uncomfortable to avail of any sexually transmitted infections-related services.
To keep the identity of the individuals protected, the LoveYourself Incognito activity followed the military secrecy rule of “What you see, what you hear, when you leave, leave it here.” Each individual was coded through the Unique Identifier Coding system to distinguish him from others without revealing his name. The HIV screening procedure included a 15-minute testing and an explanation on the results of the test as well as counseling on safer sex practices to lower the risk of HIV infection.
The group also encourages the public to get tested in LoveYourself’s established testing clinics located at Anglo Building along Shaw and Uni in Taft-Buendia. Both clinics are open from Wednesdays until Saturday from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m., and Sundays at 9:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m.
For more details on Incognito and other LoveYourself’s services, visit the group’s official website at www.loveyourself.ph or follow and like its social media channels: Facebook- @loveyourself.ph,
Twitter @loveyourselfph and Instagram @loveyourself.ph.