UP offers free HIV testing, counseling

The University of the Philippines Diliman Gender Office (UPDGO) is offering free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counseling.

“Your sexual health matters to us. We’re now offering free HIV testing and counseling at the UP Diliman Gender Office, complete with complimentary condoms and lubricants,” UPDGO said in a Facebook post.

The Office also provides support for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medicine that individuals at risk for HIV take to prevent contracting HIV from sex or injection drug use.

Appointments can be made at https://calendly.com/srr-scheduling-system/hiv-testing-and-counseling.

“Rest assured, your information is kept strictly confidential in line with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and RA 11166,” it added.

Confirmed appointments will be sent through text message and email. UPDGO is located on the second floor of Benton Hall at the University.

The Department of Health estimates that by the end of 2024, the number of Filipinos living with HIV will rise to 215,400.

Sexual contact has consistently been the leading mode of HIV transmission.

Other modes of transmission include the sharing of infected needles and transmission through blood/blood products via needlestick injuries.