DOH 7 to Hold Voluntary HIV Testing, Counseling on June 19

The Department of Health (DOH) 7 will hold a voluntary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counseling on June 19, Friday, at the Fuente Osmeña in uptown Cebu City.

Dr. Jonathan Neil Erasmo, DOH-7 Communicable Diseases Control Section chief, said the voluntary HIV testing will start at 6 p.m.

Erasmo said the activity is part of their intensified efforts in promoting early detection of HIV to prevent the spread of HIV infection.

Erasmo said the activity will be capped by a mini-concert initiated by the DOH-7 with the help of local government units, non-government organizations and community-based groups.

The activity carries the theme “Get tested” and will feature local artists and Cebuano disc jockeys.

Erasmo said the health department will offer counseling and free antiretroviral drugs to those who will be diagnosed HIV-positive. (PNA) LAP/EB/RSM