1 month ago
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BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong exhorted all city government officials and employees to lead by example by submitting themselves to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) tests.
If left untreated, HIV could progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
"There's nothing wrong if we have ourselves tested for HIV as this will enable us to know our status," said Magalong during a media forum on Dec. 11 last year at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, a few days after the commemoration of World AIDS Day.
The mayor said the HIV test, conducted by the City Health Services Office, is free since the city government has the capacity to test every Baguio resident at no cost to the latter.
All test results will also be confidential, Magalong assured.
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He disclosed that from 2017 to Dec. 11, 2024, the Summer Capital has recorded around 216 HIV cases which, he believed, could just be the "tip of the iceberg."
According to a World Health Organization website, HIV is an infection that attacks the body's immune system which makes it easier to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infections and some cancers.
HIV is spread from the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids, and can also spread from a mother to her baby. However, it is not spread by kisses, hugs or sharing food.
The website added that HIV can be treated and prevented with antiretroviral therapy.
