BACOLOD City – An ongoing province-wide HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) screening in a mall in this city is being conducted by the Bagani Community Center, a health-based non-government organization in commemoration of the World AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Day on Dec. 1.
The screening commenced on Dec.4 and will last until Dec. 23 at the East Bridgeway of the SM City Mall.
The World AIDS Day theme is “Ending HIV epidemic: Equitable access, everyone’s voice.”
Bagani Hub manager, Jose Antonio Lavaro said this commemoration aims to show unity and support to people living with, and affected by, HIV and remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.
“This is the day for global solidarity and shared responsibility to ensure quality and affordable healthcare for all. Let us all continue to fight to end the stigma,” he added.
Bagani advocates HIV awareness through community-based HIV screening and education and helps Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) to get free access on Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ARTs) and other HIV-related medications.
This year, over 4,000 Negrenses were tested, 80 of which turned out positive for HIV.
The project is a province-wide HIV caravan in partnership with all local government units in Negros Occidental.
Bagani offers free HIV screening in its center located at the NEDF Building on 6th Lacson Street, Barangay 7 in this city./PN
