Pangasinan eyes HIV center amid rise in cases
TO EXPAND TESTING AND TREATMENT PROGRAM
WITH the increasing number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in Pangasinan, the provincial government is considering the proposed establishment of a dedicated facility to better manage, monitor, and support people living with the virus that attacks the body’s immune system.
Acting Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Vivian Villar-Espino, in an interview, highlighted the need for intensified education and the creation of an HIV hub, which will get network support now that 10 out of the 14 provincial government-run hospitals are accredited to conduct initial HIV testing.
Espino cited that from January to July this year, the province recorded 53 new HIV cases, higher than the 42 cases during the same period last year. These numbers do not include tests conducted in Dagupan City, a chartered city, or the direct tests done at the Region 1 Medical Center.
Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino confirmed that discussions on creating an HIV center were brought up during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s (SP) Question Hour held on August 4.
The inquiry, initiated by Fourth District Board Member Dr. Jerry Agerico Rosario, chairman of the Committee on Health, tackled the province’s current status on HIV and dengue.
Lambino said the proposed HIV hub could be integrated within the provincial hospital system or under the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
“Establishing a hub will help address not just the medical aspect of HIV, but also the mental and social issues that patients face,” he said. “There is still stigma and discrimination, and we have to ensure patient privacy and security.”
The hub will also provide a monitoring system after referral and help ensure continued treatment for confirmed cases.
“We don’t have a mechanism to monitor if patients proceed with their treatment or counseling after we refer them,” said Second District Board Member Haidee Pacheco. “That’s why it’s critical that we set up our hub in Pangasinan,” she added.
Aside from the proposed hub, the SP members called for more comprehensive sex education in schools, increased awareness campaigns in communities, and mandatory health protocols for high-risk sectors such as sex workers. (Eva Visperas/Ahikam Pasion)
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