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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider World AIDS Day 2023: DOH calls for collective responsibility to raise awareness, eradicate stigma

World AIDS Day 2023: DOH calls for collective responsibility to raise awareness, eradicate stigma

Published Dec 1, 2023 07:49 am

Along with partners and stakeholders, the Department of Health (DOH) marked the nation's fight against HIV/AIDS on Friday, Dec. 1, in celebration of World AIDS Day.

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Photo from Pixabay

The global initiative, DOH said, was aimed at raising awareness about HIV and AIDS, honoring those lost, and supporting People Living with HIV (PLHIV).


“On this significant occasion of World AIDS Day, the DOH proudly commemorates the progress and ongoing efforts in the fight against AIDS," said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa in a statement.


"This annual observance serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to raise awareness and eradicate stigma," he added.


Moreover, Herbosa highlighted various initiatives within the 8-Point Action Agenda Para sa Healthy Pilipinas, focusing on preventing new infections, enhancing care, treatment, and support, and mitigating the impacts of HIV and AIDS in the post-Covid-19 era.

The DOH emphasized the provision of free services, including HIV prevention methods and treatment care for PLHIVs.

It also encouraged widespread testing as part of the collective effort to end HIV by 2030.
Multiple celebrations


Multiple celebrations 

Meanwhile, the DOH's Biyaheng Kalusugan (Health Journey) campaign, conducted in Quezon Province in partnership with the Local Government of Quezon and the Center for Health Development CALABARZON IV-A, marked World AIDS Day with a LOVE-A-WALK march.

It was noted that the march is promoting free HIV consultation and counseling, safe and healthy sexual behaviors, and a Dress-to-Express competition for participants to convey messages for HIV and AIDS awareness.

The event also featured the HIV Mobile Caravan, SAFE LOVE STATION, and SAFE LOVE DISPENSER, providing participants with knowledge about safe sex practices through reproductive health counselors and offering services such as free testing, professional assistance, and access to free condoms and lubes.

The campaign against HIV stigma included a march, and the Health Services campaign offered accessible services, including free HIV screening and counseling.

The DOH stated that attendees signed the Pledge of Commitment toward achieving zero new HIV cases in the Philippines.

Additionally, it highlighted that the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) also celebrated World AIDS Day under the theme "Let Communities Lead—#SamaSamaTayo sa Laban Kontra HIV, Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga (Together we Fight Against HIV, Because in the New Philippines, Every Life is Valuable)," emphasizing the critical role of community-driven initiatives in addressing and mitigating the impact of HIV.

The program included discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions focusing on strategies to enhance prevention, treatment, and support services nationwide, along with highlighting success stories and best practices exemplifying community-led efforts.


DOH stressed that World AIDS Day 2023 served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and partnership, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in shaping a compassionate and effective response to HIV and AIDS in the country.

The Health Department also expressed gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and partners, highlighting the possibility of a world without AIDS through a whole-of-society approach.

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World Aids Day HIV/AIDS DOH
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