Capitol Joins Call for LGUs to Establish Local Aids Council
In support of the country’s efforts to control the spread of HIV and Aids, the Cebu Provincial Government, through the Provincial Health Office, joins the call for local government units (LGUs) across the province to establish their Local Aids Council (LAC).
Based on the data provided by the Department of Health, a total of 4,251 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases and 295 acquired immune deficiency syndrome (Aids) cases have been recorded in Central Visayas since 1984. Of these statistics, 3,973 HIV cases and 253 Aids cases come from Cebu.
In a press statement, Dr. Louie Ocampo, UNAIDS country director, stressed the importance of addressing the problem.
“We don’t have to wait for the National Government to act. We need to start locally,” said Ocampo.
In Cebu Province, the cities of Cebu, Carcar, Danao, Naga, Toledo and the municipalities of Minglanilla and Compostela have established their LACs. The LAC seeks to provide financial assistance, identify plans, programs, projects and activities for STI (sexually transmitted infections), HIV and AIDS prevention and control.
Combating HIV/AIDS
For this year, PHO’s HIV/AIDS prevention program has provided cost-effective and sustainable interventions, like HIV testing and counseling; health care workers from provincial and district hospitals have also been trained on HIV proficiency; and HIV test screening and counseling and other health services, on top of its procurement of STI antibiotics, HIV, hepatitis B, and gonorrhea rapid test kits.
HIV tests are done for free in the following Capitol-run hospitals in the province: Cebu Provincial Hospital-Bogo, Cebu Provincial Hospital-Carcar, Cebu Provincial Hospital-Danao, Bantayan District Hospital, Ricardo Maningo Memorial Hospital and at the Provincial Health Office. (CEBU PROVINCIAL GOV’T)
