The Quezon City local government inaugurated the “'Klinika Eastwood” on Tuesday, June 18, which will provide a comprehensive Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) testing, counseling, and treatment services for the residents.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, along with officials from Megaworld Management, Philippine National Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) council, and the Department of Health (DOH) led the inauguration of the first Private-Public Partnership (PPP) healthcare facility in the country.
“'Klinika Eastwood” aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for the residents in addressing the critical need for comprehensive HIV and STI-related health services in the community.
Belmonte emphasized the importance of establishing additional HIV primary care clinics or treatment hubs in the city.
“Mahalagang makapaglagay tayo ng dagdag na HIV primary care clinic/treatment hub na madaling puntahan ng QCitizens, mga nagtutungo sa mall, mga residente sa Eastwood at mga karatig barangay (It is important for us to establish an additional HIV primary care clinic/treatment hub that is easily accessible to QCitizens, mall-goers, residents in Eastwood, and neighboring barangays),” she said.
The mayor added that the city government currently has an HIV primary care clinic in five of the six districts in the city, and is currently establishing a clinic in District 6.
“Mahalaga ang ganitong mga klinika, lalo pa’t mataas ang kaso ng HIV at iba pang sexually transmitted infections sa ating bansa. Natutugunan nito ang malaking hamon ukol sa kanilang pangangailangang medikal (These clinics are important, especially since the cases of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in our country are high. They address the significant challenge regarding their medical needs),” Belmonte said.
The city’s public information office said that the establishment of HIV primary care is also aligned with the global target of 95-95-95 by 2030, where 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, while 95 percent of diagnosed People Living with HIV (PLHIV) to be on antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent of PLHIV to achieve viral suppression.
The initiative is under SP 3126, Series of 2021, also known as the Comprehensive Quezon City STI, HIV, and AIDS Prevention and Control Ordinance of 2021.
It added that the initiative is part of the city’s “Zero at 2030 campaign” which aims to involve the community in addressing HIV and AIDS.
“I would also like to acknowledge and express gratitude to Megaworld Management for joining our advocacy to promote an inclusive environment that will promote the wellness of every individual, without them experiencing stigma and discrimination,” Belmonte said.