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SAN JOSE, Antique – The Department of Health (DOH) focused on integrating mental health in Human Immununodeficiency Virus (HIV) local initiatives, during the 9th Western Visayas AIDS Congress in this capital town.
“People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) have to deal with many challenges because they are prone to depression, and we should do something as part of HIV care to help them cope with their problems,” said Christine Mosqueda, regional sexually transmitted infection coordinator of DOH Region 6.
Mosqueda said there is no cure for HIV/AIDS yet.
“These people may face low self-esteem, stigma, lack of support, health issues, and they are prone to suicide, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and many others, that is why the government is doing something to help this sector cope with life’s difficulties,” Mosqueda said.
HIV attacks the body’s immune system and then causes AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a life-threatening disease.
Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao welcomed the participants during the opening of the congress which discussed the HIV situationer; treatment hub accomplishments; health, nutrition and wellness; HIV policies in the workplace, highlighted with testimonials; team-building activities and Search for AIDS Ambassador.
Around 80 PLHIV, government partner agencies and stakeholders participated in the congress where Dr. Mary Ann Joy Aguandera, consultant of the HIV AIDS Core Team, Manila Doctors’ Hospital, was the invited keynote speaker.
There were 1,300 PLHIV in Western Visayas as of June 2016. (PIA-6/PN)
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