THE Baguio Health Services Office (HSO) conducted two days of free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing this week at the Baguio night market.
The two days were in alignment with the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2022, and took place from nine o’clock in the evening until midnight.
“We have to extend hours of service to reach out to many. A majority, especially MSMs (males having sex with males), are at work during the day,” Assistant City Health Officer Celiaflor Brillantes said.
According to HSO data, from July 2017 to the present day, some 112 active HIV cases have been recorded in the city.
Of the 112, two have died and 14 have transferred residence and are undergoing treatment in another area. A total of 96 are undergoing antiretroviral treatment (ART) with the help of the city’s Primary HIV care clinic treatment hub.
Brillantes said that the city HSO opted to have testing in public areas to make services more accessible and visible, and encourage individuals to have themselves tested.
A person found reactive with the initial virus test undergoes screening, a second test, and a confirmatory test.
