[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’HIV/AIDS treatment hub opens in Antique’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”]
SAN JOSE, Antique – An HIV/AIDS satellite treatment hub has been opened in a hospital here.
People living with HIV/AIDS seeking treatment no longer have to travel to as far as Iloilo City.
Establishing the center at the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital is part of “the government’s thrust in bringing health services closer to vulnerable sectors,” said Dr. Ric Noel Naciongayo, provincial health officer.
People living with HIV/AIDS in Antique have been getting medical care at the Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
At the treatment center, trained personnel will provide the patients “safe, comprehensive and compassionate care,” Naciongayo said.
Aside from treatment, the center will also provide care and counselling to the patients.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the immune system and makes the body vulnerable to infections.
Longtime and untreated infection may lead to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
While incurable, HIV/AIDS is preventable. An HIV infection’s development into AIDS can be mitigated by antiretroviral therapy.
Cumulative figures from 1986 to June this year have shown that Antique had around 54 people living with HIV/AIDS, said Nurse Sheree Vego, HIV/AIDS point person of the Provincial Health Office.
Five of them have died, while the rest were receiving treatment assistance from the Department of Health. (With reports from PIA/PN)
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
