In a collective effort to promote health awareness and combat the spread of HIV, Project NAMNAMA through PuroKalusugan, partners with the La Trinidad Municipal Health Services Office (LTMHSO), and the Benguet State University – University Health Services (BSU-UHS) for the 2nd NAMNAMA University Campus Tour, held at the Benguet State University (BSU) – La Trinidad Campus on March 10-14, 2025.
The five-day NAMNAMA Campus Tour aimed to ensure that students have access to vital healthcare services, particularly in HIV awareness and prevention. Through this initiative, participants were encouraged to take the first step toward knowing their HIV status in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment—prompting 566 individuals to know their status. The event is designed not only to provide HIV testing but also to influence students in knowing the importance of regular testing, safe practices, and overall sexual health.
The collaboration between Project NAMNAMA, PuroKalusugan, LTMHSO, and BSU-UHS demonstrates a unified approach to addressing public health issues in the region, emphasizing the critical need for accessible healthcare in educational institutions. By bringing these services directly to the university campus, the program removes barriers to access, encouraging students to take part in crucial services for their health empowerment.
The event also featured free blood typing offered by the La Trinidad Municipal Health Services Office, supplemented by the efforts of Human Resources of Health (HRH). Volunteers, interns, and Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP)-Baguio City field staff also heed the call and offered their help in hopes of illuminating the HIV advocacy to the young population.
In line with the goals of PuroKalusugan, a health advocacy program focused on increasing public awareness, the NAMNAMA tour helps dismantle myths and misconceptions about HIV, offering students a chance to learn about the disease from credible sources. Through the proactive participation of HRH, visions of marrying the objectives of the PuroKalusugan and the Campus Tour in bringing crucial services closer to the community were secured.
As the second leg of the NAMNAMA Campus Tour, this initiative underscores the importance of campus-based health outreach programs in the Cordillera region. With continued partnerships between educational institutions and local health authorities, Project NAMNAMA remains committed to fostering healthier communities and empowering students with the tools and knowledge to protect their well-being.
By prioritizing HIV education and testing in university settings, the NAMNAMA University Campus Tour takes a proactive step toward creating a more informed, healthy, and resilient generation. The success of this event is a testament to the power of collaboration and the critical role universities play in shaping the health landscape of the future.// Mark Gonzalo D. Benter, Health Program Officer II, DOH-CHD-CAR
