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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Mayor Joy pushes for 'zero stigma' in fight against HIV

Mayor Joy pushes for 'zero stigma' in fight against HIV

Published Dec 1, 2025 06:01 pm
(Quezon City Government facebook page)
(Quezon City Government facebook page)

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday, Dec. 1, called for the end to the stigma and discrimination against persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 

“Nakikiisa tayo sa araw na ito lalong lalo na sa lahat ng mga yumao dahil sa AIDS at sa lahat ng mga health care workers natin (We stand in solidarity on this day, especially with all those who have died from AIDS and with all our health care workers),” she said.

“Stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV ang tunay na kalaban natin and not the virus (Stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV is our real enemy and not the virus),” she added. 

The Quezon City government continues to expand its HIV programs by ensuring that essential treatment and prevention services remain accessible to residents. 

Free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is currently offered across nine Social Hygiene and Sundown Clinics, while Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is also available for individuals seeking added protection.

Local health officials are likewise updating the city’s HIV reference manual, specifically designed for young people, to strengthen awareness and prevention among the youth. 

A new facility, Klinika Talipapa, is also being prepared to serve residents of District 6 and further widen the city’s HIV care network.

The city government also joined the Department of Health and the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) in their “Walk for a Cause”.

In 2019, the LGU launched a campaign dubbed Zero at 2030 to address the rising number of HIV cases at the local level. 

“Our goal is very clear… to achieve zero transmission, zero HIV-related deaths and zero discrimination against persons with HIV,” Mayor Belmonte said. 

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