To honor the lives lost to AIDS and reaffirm the commitment to supporting people living with HIV, the City Health Office’s (CHO) Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) led the AIDS Candlelight Memorial activity on Tuesday.
Anchored on the theme “Light the Legacy. Remember. Advance. Act.,” the event emphasized the importance of awareness and dismantling the stigma against people living with HIV.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, and remains as a major public health issue. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS occurs at the most advanced stage of the infection.
HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions from a person living with HIV. Mother-to-child transmission may also happen during pregnancy and delivery. However, it is important to note that HIV is not transmitted through ordinary day-to-day contact such as kissing, hugging, shaking hands, or sharing personal objects, food or water with people living with HIV.
Although there is no cure for HIV infection, it is manageable through antiretroviral drugs, which stop the virus from replicating in the body.
In Davao City, antiretrovirals are available for free at the RHWC. Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP is also available at the center for people at risk. PREP is a medicine that can reduce the risk of getting HIV.
During the activity, City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by Councilor Potpot Villafuerte, emphasized the city government’s comprehensive support system for HIV prevention, which includes screening, confirmatory tests, and medication for free through the RHWC.
“The City Government of Davao through the City Health Office Reproductive Health and Wellness Center and the Davao City Council continues to extend its advocacy and comprehensive support system for HIV prevention, treatment, and care by providing free HIV screening, confirmatory testing, and medication,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of “proactive intervention that dismantles stigma, elevates public awareness, and cultivates a community grounded in compassion, education, and empowerment.”
Ultimately, the City Government of Davao continues to ensure inclusive programs, accessible and high-quality reproductive health services, and robust community led initiatives for people living with HIV.
The public is also urged to get tested, use protection, be responsible, and know that through proper treatment and early diagnosis, HIV can be managed.
The fight against HIV and AIDS does not end in activities like the candlelight memorial. It continues through education, accessible and quality reproductive health services, and an informed community that is responsible and aware. CIO
Written by: J.Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: D. Alviola