The Department of Health (DOH) 10 (Northern Mindanao) is intensifying its education campaign on awareness and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among younger populations and communities in Northern Mindanao.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Dr. Wellaflor Kindom Brito, head of DOH-10’s Infectious Diseases Cluster, said the cumulative total of HIV cases in the region has reached 4,008 as of March 2025.
Brito, however, observed notable progress in HIV treatment support and testing throughout the region, with more treatment centers now managed by municipal and city health departments.
“We have persons living with HIV (PLHIV) advocates who openly disclose their status to the public to encourage testing and seek treatment because it is free,” she said.
She clarified that those who undergo treatment can still lead normal lives, and disclosing one’s status remains voluntary for the individual.
Once under treatment, a PLHIV can no longer transmit the virus to others through sexual contact because of the low and undetectable viral load.
Meanwhile, Republic Act 11166, or the Philippine HIV and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Policy Act, provides safety and promotes healthcare support to PLHIV. The law also seeks to protect PLHIVs from discrimination in seeking jobs, public ridicule, and prosecuting persons or entities exposing their identity in public without their consent. (PNA)
