MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — The Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) is encouraging individuals who may be at risk of HIV infection to undergo confidential screening, as the hospital continues to monitor a growing number of confirmed cases recorded through its AIDS Treatment Hub.
Dr. Monerah Luzviminda Macud, Medical Specialist IV at APMC, said the hospital remains open to individuals who want to undergo Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screening and stressed the importance of early detection, particularly amid the continuing increase in the number of confirmed cases being recorded at the facility.
According to Macud, APMC began accepting clients as an AIDS Treatment Hub in Lanao del Sur in 2020. The service was temporarily discontinued but resumed in 2022 and has continued since then.
Hospital records from 2022 to 2026 show a total of 232 confirmed HIV-positive clients recorded through the facility.
Macud clarified, however, that the figure does not represent cases exclusively originating from Lanao del Sur. APMC also serves clients from other areas, including individuals from the Metro, making the hospital’s records reflective of a wider patient population seeking HIV-related services.
Of the 232 confirmed cases, 64 were students, according to the hospital’s records. Most of the confirmed cases were among individuals aged 20 to 29, while 12 were below 20 years old. The youngest person recorded was 15 years old.
The data also showed that most of the confirmed cases were males who reported having sexual relationships with other males.
The figures underscore the importance of accessible and confidential HIV testing, particularly for people who may have been exposed to the virus but remain unaware of their status.
Screening Through Blood Sample
Macud explained that HIV screening at APMC involves the collection of a blood sample. The facility also encourages pregnant women to undergo HIV screening as part of efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission, or the transmission of HIV from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Early identification of HIV infection allows health workers to provide appropriate counseling and connect clients to treatment and other services, while helping reduce the risk of transmission.
APMC also emphasizes that HIV services are provided under established health protocols, with particular attention to the confidentiality and privacy of clients.
Macud said the hospital takes measures to prevent clients from being unnecessarily identified while accessing their medicines and other services. Among these measures is avoiding situations where clients have to publicly line up simply to obtain their medication.
The facility also provides counseling before HIV screening, allowing clients to receive information and guidance before undergoing the test.
Confidentiality Remains a Priority
Macud emphasized that clients seeking HIV services at APMC are treated with privacy and confidentiality. The hospital refers to people accessing its HIV services as “clients,” reflecting its effort to provide a supportive environment for individuals seeking testing, treatment and counseling.
The hospital’s continued availability of HIV screening is part of the broader effort to encourage people to know their HIV status and seek medical care when necessary.
With 232 confirmed cases recorded from 2022 to 2026, including students and young people, health authorities continue to stress the importance of HIV awareness, responsible health decisions, regular screening for those at risk, and early access to appropriate care.
APMC is urging individuals who may have been exposed to HIV or who simply want to know their status to consider confidential screening and seek guidance from qualified health professionals.