In a renewed push for public health, the Davao City Health Office (CHO) is calling on residents to prioritize knowing their status by getting tested for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). This appeal comes as the city joins the global community in observing World AIDS Day.
CHO Leads Fight Against HIV with Prevention and Treatment
The initiative is spearheaded by the CHO's Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC). Its core mission is twofold: to prevent new transmissions and to ensure individuals who test positive receive the proper treatment and care they need. Dr. Jordana Ramiterre, the Head Physician of the RHWC, underscored that HIV and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to be a significant public health challenge.
HIV works by attacking the body's immune system, specifically targeting white blood cells. Left untreated, it can progress to AIDS, severely weakening the body's defenses against infections and diseases. The virus is transmitted through specific body fluids, such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids.
ABCDE of Prevention and Available Services
Dr. Ramiterre highlighted that prevention is achievable through the ABCDE method:
- Abtain from sexual activity.
- Be mutually faithful to one partner.
- Correct and Consistent Condom Use.
- Do not inject drugs illicitly.
- Education, Early Access to Care, and Early Treatment.
For individuals who test negative but face a substantial risk of infection, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is available at treatment centers. The doctor also emphasized the ongoing daily efforts of the RHWC and partner agencies to combat the stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV and AIDS, efforts that are amplified during World AIDS Day.
"We’re further highlighting this during this time to promote awareness, to promote testing, and for people to access services," Ramiterre stated.
Accessing Testing and Treatment in Davao City
Davao City is equipped with several facilities to support those living with or at risk of HIV. The city hosts two primary HIV-AIDS treatment hubs located at the Davao Doctors Hospital and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
Primary treatment and support are also accessible through facilities like the RHWC, Love Yourself, and About Us. The RHWC offers free STI and HIV screening, diagnosis, and treatment. It also serves as a confirmatory laboratory where test results are validated. Other confirmatory labs are situated at the SPMC and the Davao Medical Schools Foundation Hospital.
As part of the World AIDS Day commemoration, the CHO organized a whole-day event at Victoria Plaza on December 5, where Dabawenyos availed of free HIV testing and screening services. This follows a solemn candle-lighting ceremony held earlier at Rizal Park, Davao City, on the evening of May 23, 2025, which brought together volunteers, civil society members, and government officials to raise awareness.
