CONNER, Apayao – The Provincial Health Office (PHO), in partnership with the Department of Health–Center for Health Development–Cordillera (DOH–CAR), launched the provincial implementation of Project NAMNAMA and led the observance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) Week through an HIV Symposium held on May 20 at the Conner District Hospital (CDH) in Barangay Ripang.
The symposium is the beginning of a weeklong campaign under the National AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP), aimed at strengthening HIV awareness and expanding access to community-based health services in Apayao.
Health workers from CDH took part in the activity which featured discussions on existing HIV laws, available services, and current prevention strategies.
Darwin Babon, Development Management Officer of DOH–CAR, delivered a lecture on Republic Act No. 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act. He highlighted the law’s core provisions on non-discrimination, confidentiality, and the importance of community-based testing as part of public health strategy.
The participants were also briefed on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive medication that significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission, particularly among high-risk individuals. The session aimed to equip health workers with up-to-date knowledge on HIV response.
“Napakaswerte natin na may dumating na speakers. Let us take HIV and AIDS to heart because it is now an epidemic,” said nurse Rizel Obispo, HIV-AIDS focal person of PHO Apayao.
The IACM observance in Apayao continues throughout the week with a series of activities across municipalities, in line with Project NAMNAMA, which stands for: NA – Nurturing Awareness
MN – Mobilizing Networks; AMA – Advocating to Mitigate the Impact of AIDS and STIs in Cordillera
This reflects the continuing collaboration of the PHO’s Health Education and Promotion Unit, CDH, barangay health workers, and DOH–CAR in scaling up HIV-related services and sustaining efforts toward an AIDS-free Cordillera. By Loremia Pareja
