The Department of Health (DOH) has accredited the Angono May Puso Social Hygiene Clinic (AMPSHC), operated by the Municipal Health Office, following a rigorous evaluation, and it is now certified to provide comprehensive HIV treatment services.
The accreditation enables the clinic to dispense anti-retroviral drugs to individuals living with HIV, a lifetime treatment that will be given free of charge to residents of Angono.
Angono Mayor Gerardo Calderon said the development is particularly significant given the alarming rise in HIV cases among young Filipinos, with a 500% increase reported in the first quarter of this year.
According to Ma. Cristina Trinidad, municipal HIV program manager who is also a nurse, said the clinic will now serve as a treatment hub, catering not only to Angono residents but also to individuals from neighboring areas.
The DOH accreditation certifies that the clinic meets national standards for facilities, staffing, and equipment, ensuring the provision of quality HIV treatment and prevention services.
The AMPSHC offers free, safe, and confidential HIV testing, counseling, and treatment services.
The clinic's accreditation is a crucial step in the municipality's efforts to combat the spread of HIV and promote public health awareness.
The DOH has emphasized the importance of knowing one's status and taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of HIV.
Calderon said the AMPSHC is now equipped to provide comprehensive services, marking a significant milestone in the fight against HIV.