Gov’t doctor urges HIV screening as recorded cases surge

ILIGAN CITY — The national government-run Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) in Marawi City has encouraged at-risk individuals to undergo HIV screening as the number of confirmed cases treated through its AIDS treatment hub surged to 232 from 2022 up to recently

Dr. Monerah Luzviminda Macud, a medical specialist at APMC, said the hospital remains open to individuals who want to be screened for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

APMC began serving as an AIDS treatment hub in 2020, but its services were temporarily suspended before resuming in 2022, Macud said.

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Of the 232 confirmed cases recorded since then, 92 are currently receiving treatment at APMC.

Macud said not all patients come from Lanao del Sur province, as some were referred from other areas, including Metro Manila.

Some 64 of those diagnosed were students, while most of the patients were aged 20 to 29. Twelve were below 20, while the youngest recorded patient was 15.

Most of the confirmed cases were men who have sexual relationships with other men, Macud said.

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She explained that HIV screening involves a blood sample and that pregnant women are also encouraged to undergo testing to help prevent mother-to-child transmission.

APMC strictly observes protocols protecting the privacy of its clients, Macud said. “We do not require clients to line up just to get their medicines,” she said, adding that counseling is conducted before HIV screening. INQ