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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR offers free HIV testing on July 21 at its Quezon City office

CHR offers free HIV testing on July 21 at its Quezon City office

Published Jul 18, 2025 03:41 pm
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will offer on July 21 free Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing in commemoration of Zero HIV Stigma Day.
In a statement, the CHR said the free testing will be held at its grounds in Quezon City as part of its initiative to promote and uphold the right to health, and raise awareness on HIV prevention, treatment, and destigmatization.
It cited a report from the Department of Health (DOH) on the staggering 500 percent increase in HIV cases among individuals aged 15 to 25 years old in the country.
It also said that data from January to March 2025 reported an average of 57 new HIV cases are being diagnosed daily. The data placed the Philippines among the countries with the highest rates of new infections in the Western Pacific region, it added.
"This alarming surge highlights the urgent need for the declaration of a National Public Health Emergency to bolster government-led interventions and preventive strategies," it said in a statement.
It pointed out that the rise in the number of reported HIV-positive cases is attributed to the increased availability and accessibility of HIV testing services across the country.
This development, it said, reflects the growing public awareness and the success of outreach and testing campaigns which are essential steps toward early diagnosis and effective treatment.
The CHR said that while it supports the Department of Health’s (DOH) call to declare a National Public Health Emergency in response to the rising number of HIV infections, it expressed hopes that it would enable the institutionalization of comprehensive and sustainable health responses, including education, awareness campaigns, accessible testing, treatment, and psychosocial support.
It also expressed hopes that there will be no stigma, hate, and prejudice against People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
“Stigma will not only violate their basic human rights, but also hinder national efforts to combat the epidemic,” it stressed.
It added that having HIV is not a death sentence, as timely testing, accurate information, and proper treatment can enable PLHIV to live healthy, productive, and meaningful lives.
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