CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Dr. Ronald Romano, Program Coordinator of the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center – STD & HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control under the City Health Office, has called on individuals engaged in high-risk sexual behavior to voluntarily undergo free and confidential HIV testing offered by the city government.
Dr. Romano, who also serves as clinic manager of the NEST (Nurturing Emphatic Support & Treatment) Wellness Hub, emphasized the importance of early detection and proper treatment. He urged those with multiple sexual partners or involved in repeated unprotected sexual activities to access the testing services available at the NEST Wellness Hub, a facility supported by Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy, chairperson of the Local AIDS Council.
Recognized by the Department of Health as Cagayan de Oro’s Primary HIV Treatment Hub, the NEST Wellness Hub is also PhilHealth-accredited and operates in line with Republic Act 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018. This ensures strict adherence to protocols that protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals undergoing HIV testing, counseling, and treatment.
In addition to HIV screening and confirmatory testing, the hub offers gram screening and serologic testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and more.
Dr. Romano also appealed to the public to refrain from stigmatizing persons living with HIV (PLHIV), noting that stigma and discrimination remain major barriers that prevent people from seeking medical help.
He clarified that while there is still no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is available to significantly reduce the viral load in the body. This therapy helps prevent the transmission of the virus, allows PLHIV to live a quality life, and reduces the risk of progressing to AIDS—the final clinical stage of HIV infection.
For more information or to access services, individuals are encouraged to visit the NEST Wellness Hub at the City Health Office.