THE FAMILY Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP)-Iloilo Chapter has set up a community center aimed at assisting those at risk of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Iloilo City. Roberto P. Figuracion Jr., an officer of the Raising Awareness for Junior Advocates on HIV (RAJAH) Community Center, said they want to provide a “safe space” for HIV testing and services in the city, along with counselling and other support services. “We want to target the key population who are males and transgender women having sex with males, pregnant women, and their partners and even the general public to have access to this one-stop-shop facility. We want to provide them with a place where they can go to get tested,” he said. Based on data from the Department of Health-Western Visayas Region, 765 HIV/AIDS cases have been reported in Iloilo City. In the entire region, 3, 012 cases have been recorded since 1984. Mr. Figuracion said they are now employing a more holistic approach in terms of HIV testing in Iloilo to end the stigma. “There are still many unreachable clients because they were too afraid to see a treatment facility. Here, we are providing key services for persons living with HIV that are comfortable and less stigmatizing,” he said. “As an alternative service point, the center will serve as an option to what already is in place by the local government units,” he added. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

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