Comval holds HIV Summit 2018

By Rey Antibo

Compostela Valley Province--- The provincial government through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) holds HIV Summit 2018 with the theme: “Right to Health, Getting to Zero, Ends Aids,” on September 7, 2018 at the Social Hall, Capitol Building, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province.

Attending the summit were the officials from the PHO headed by Dr. Antonio P. Ybiernas Jr.,- PG Department Head, Placido Alcomendras Jr.- Assistant Provincial Administrator representing Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, and Atty. Niel John A. Villarico – OIC Provincial Legal Officer.

Dr. Ybiernas explained about the difference between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

According to Ybiernas that “HIV is a person that has the virus in the body with no symptoms, it depends on the immune system to combat the virus while AIDS is a person already with the disease, having problems with lungs, with the immune system, the person is very sick because of the huge amount of the virus.”

Also present during the event were the different youth associations of the province as well as the LGBT group, high school and college students with the Municipal Health officers and employees of the Rural Health Units (RHU).

Meanwhile, Raffy Ardemil from Cagayan De Oro City a person living with HIV (PLHIV) shares his experience of fighting HIV for almost 3 years of survival.

He also inspired others to undergo HIV counseling and testing to prevent future damage for those who have risky behavior and with multiple partners.

He encouraged others by helping his advocacy and the society and willing to commit for the HIV and AIDS Advocacy program.

Ardemil challenged the participants to hug him in person because a PLHIV needs a hug.

“Let’s fight HIV not a person living with HIV,” Ardemil said.

During the program, the RHUs HIV counselors and representatives shares their best practices on how to prevent and control the HIV as well as a Lecture on Republic Act 8504 also known as the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 by Atty. Villarico.

The presentation of Strategies Formulated during the Breakout Sessions of the 11 municipalities was also held with the Signing of the Pledge of Commitment, Message of Commitment and Support by the partners and the awarding of Certificate of Appreciation was also done. (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)