Capitol boosts HIV prevention programs for youth

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Health Office (CPHO), led by focal person Wilfredo Ocampo Selgado Jr., is intensifying its HIV prevention and treatment programs targeting adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24, with the aim of promoting self-awareness, responsible health practices, and behavioral change.

The initiative highlights early HIV testing and diagnosis, with services now made more accessible through community-based screening (CBS) efforts across the province. Local government units (LGUs) are also conducting HIV counseling and educational sessions to raise awareness among the youth on the importance of knowing their health status.

Hospitals in Carcar City, Balamban, and Bogo City have already secured the Rapid HIV Diagnostic Algorithm (rHIVda) accreditation, enabling them to provide HIV testing and diagnostic services. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, patients are immediately enrolled in treatment programs.

Prior to starting therapy, patients undergo baseline laboratory examinations, including complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis (UA), liver profile, creatinine, and chest X-ray, to ensure proper health monitoring.

The standard treatment regimen—Dolutegravir/Lamivudine/Tenofovir (TLD)—is provided free of charge. Health officials stress the importance of strict adherence to treatment, warning that discontinuation may lead to increased viral load.

A key component of the program is the promotion of ABCDEF prevention strategies, which advocate: abstinence to delay sexual activity; mutual fidelity in monogamous relationships; correct and consistent condom use; avoidance of drug use; educational advocacy to spread awareness; and access to free preventive medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at risk.

Health authorities also underscored the U=U principle—“Undetectable = Untransmissible”—which means individuals who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to others.

Capitol Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, particularly during high-risk periods such as the upcoming Holy Week, noting the importance of preventing both HIV and tuberculosis.

She reiterated the principle of “early detection, early diagnosis, early treatment, better prognosis,” while urging the youth to remain cautious, stay informed, and be mindful of their surroundings to prevent illness and accidents.

To further expand access to care, the LGUs of Minglanilla, Naga City, and Toledo City have established HIV treatment hubs, providing continuous care and support services to patients.

Selgado also emphasized that the program goes beyond treatment, focusing on fostering self-awareness and empowering young individuals to make informed health decisions.

The initiative also seeks to bring services closer to far-flung and rural communities, extending down to the barangay level, particularly targeting individuals facing financial and social barriers. It aims to make basic HIV education accessible and encourage proactive health management.

Through presentations, workshops, and community-based advocacy, the program aims to promote responsible sexual behavior and reduce the stigma associated with HIV, making it easier for young people to seek testing and treatment.

By integrating free HIV testing, accessible treatment, and ABCDEF-based prevention education, Cebu’s health authorities hope to curb the spread of HIV and empower the youth to take control of their sexual health.

Parents, teachers, and community leaders are urged to support these efforts to ensure that adolescents and young adults receive proper guidance, education, and care.

“Ang pagtabang sa usa ka tao, mao gyud na ang pinaka-priority sa Cebu Province karon labi na ang tao nagkalisod-lisod og naa’y problema sa panglawas,” Selgado said. — Sandara Yda Laurente, CTU-Tuburan Intern/FPL (FREEMAN)