By ANJANETTE VILLAMOR
Correspondent
Dr. Joselito Retuya Jr., head epidemiologist at the local health office, frowned over radio reports that the city was on top of the list in terms of cases of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrom-causing virus, saying that “it is not true.”
Retuya said the real picture is that the City Health Office is “No. 1 in the front line” in the campaign on HIV awareness and prevention. The result, he said, is that more people are going to the health office now to be tested and for consultation.
Since 1984, the city registered over 300 HIV cases in the city and the figure, according to Retuya, is relatively low.
He said the city’s health officials and workers were going down to the barangay levels as they stepped up the HIV awareness campaign. Health centers in the barangays, according to Retuya, are equipped to help.
He assured people who avail of services of confidentiality.
“People living with HIV needs support and understanding rather than discrimination. The stigma prevents others from coming out and from having a normal life,” Retuya said.
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