New HIV testing, counseling center to open

MANILA, Philippines–With the rising number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases, a nonprofit organization is set to unveil a new HIV testing facility that would specifically cater to high-risk groups.

In partnership with the Department of Health-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (DOH-RITM), The Love Yourself Inc. (TLY), a nonprofit organization primarily engaged in HIV testing and counseling, peer education and promotion of HIV-AIDS prevention, will open on Sunday its second HIV-testing center along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.

Raybert Domingo, a volunteer of the organization, said the center, dubbed as Love Yourself Anglo, is equipped with seven counseling-testing rooms, a multipurpose hall for training and workshops, and a larger and more comfortable waiting area for those who wish to get tested.

“The facility will offer free HIV-testing and counseling to everyone willing to avail (himself/herself) of its services, but will specifically cater to men who have sex with men (MSMs) and youth populations given their high vulnerability to the virus,” Domingo said.

He added that the new testing hub was financed by the DOH-RITM, a grant from the Global Fund through the DOH and Positive Action Foundation Philippines Inc., donations from private citizens, and contributions from TLY.

The free HIV testing and counseling services will be offered to the public starting June 25 from 12 noon to 7 p.m., Wednesdays to Sundays.

TLY has also partnered with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Joint UN Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) for an international campaign for HIV-AIDS prevention here in the Philippines called “Protect the Goal” campaign.