Public Health’s HIV/STD treatment and resource program manager, John Dax Moreno, said as part of the World AIDS Day celebration, they will send letters to the department and agency heads to offer the officials and staff members counseling and testing.
Noting the under tested local community, Moreno said it makes sense that the awareness campaign should also reach those working for the government.
Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez said since the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day “is Lead, Empower, and Deliver,” their staff will take the initiative in communicating with the leaders of each government agency regarding outreach and education activities and, if permitted, free and confidential HIV testing from December to January.
HIV/STD treatment and resource program case workers Ayesha Adelbai and Vicenta Tenorio as well as medical staffers Laura Shevy and Carol Paez continue to offer free and confidential HIV and STD testing, primary care and treatment.
Moreno said every Thursday night, starting this week, Public Health, the Napu Life Foundation and volunteers will have their own booth at the street market in Garapan to distribute education materials, condoms, T-shirts and red ribbons to the public.
Counselor will also be there to talk to those who want to hear more about HIV and STD.
“Our community must remember to treat any person positive with HIV with continued compassion, love and dignity,” Villagomez said.
