Caloocan City has widened access to free HIV testing and counseling by opening all public health centers to residents seeking these vital services. The initiative is part of the city government’s effort to make healthcare more accessible and strengthen ongoing public health programs.
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Testing Sites And Accessibility
“Free HIV testing and counseling services are being offered by the city government for the residents, further strengthening its existing health programs by making it more accessible to the public,” Mayor Dave Gonzalo Malapitan stated.
Services are available daily at the city’s two main social hygiene clinics, Caloocan City Hall-South and Brixton Health Center, as well as across all local public health centers. Malapitan noted that early detection and preventive medicine play a critical role in halting the progression of HIV into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
“That is where our testing and awareness programs for local communities come in,” the mayor added. He underscored the city’s commitment to protecting patient privacy, emphasizing that there is no tolerance for discrimination against those living with HIV.
Community Outreach And Awareness Drives
Malapitan encouraged residents to take advantage of the free services and revealed that city departments have been instructed to intensify awareness campaigns, especially at the community level. “But let me reiterate, their names and other personal information would always remain confidential,” he said, ensuring full privacy for participants.
The program aims to reduce the spread of HIV by combining early testing with counseling, giving individuals both critical information and immediate support. Walk-in services are available Monday to Friday at the Social Hygiene Clinic at Caloocan City Hall-South and the Kanlungan Social Hygiene Clinic behind the Caloocan City North Medical Center.
Residents can also coordinate with their nearest health center to schedule appointments, making the service convenient and widely accessible.
By expanding free HIV testing and awareness programs, Caloocan City not only empowers its residents to take control of their health but also strengthens public health outcomes across the community. The initiative is expected to encourage early detection, prevent further transmission, and ensure that Filipinos in the city can access timely and confidential medical care, setting a model for other local government units nationwide.
