ILOILO CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) Western Visayas led a healthcare initiative on Wednesday in celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month, themed “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
Organized by its Center for Health Development (CHD), the event tackled key women’s health issues, particularly mother-to-child transmission of HIV and adolescent pregnancy.
Dr. Patricia A. Tobias, Medical Specialist III of Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC), encouraged early detection and immediate treatment for mothers diagnosed with HIV to prevent its transmission to their children.
She said the DOH has accredited facilities offering antiretroviral therapy (ART) for such cases. ART is a form of treatment that combines HIV medications on a regular schedule to stop the virus from multiplying, allowing a patient’s immune system to recover.
Health advocate Richard Magullado, meanwhile, pushed for stronger measures against unwanted pregnancy by promoting adolescent health and development (AHD) programs for women of childbearing age.
Magullado called on the public to prevent sexual abuse, enhance school and community programs, and improve adolescent access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Prior to the discussions, the DOH-Western Visayas CHD held an advocacy walk that underscored the significance of women’s health and empowerment. It served as a symbol of unity in championing women’s rights and well-being.
In addition to health talks, the DOH offered free medical services to women at SM City Southpoint parking area, including family planning consultations, HIV and STI screening and consultations, pap smears and cancer detection tests, oral health checkups, and chest X-ray screenings.
The event gathered health advocates, local government officials, and various agencies, reinforcing a unified commitment to advancing women’s health in the region.
DOH-Western Visayas CHD Local Health Support Division chief Dr. May Ann Soliva-Sta Lucia delivered an inspirational message while key partners expressed their support.