A health advocate has identified “shame” as one of the primary reasons people refuse to get tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

In an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Danvic Rosadiño, head of Programs and Innovations at LoveYourSelf Inc., said there is still considerable stigma surrounding HIV.

“This means people are afraid to get tested, worry about confidentiality, may not have the time to do it or have other life priorities, or experience extreme worry about what to do next, especially if they test positive,” Rosadiño said.

“We ensure that HIV testing is safe, confidential, and that we are there every step of the way, regardless of your HIV status,” he added.

With the support of the government, LoveYourSelfPH provides free HIV-related services.

Since most of their hubs are concentrated in Metro Manila, LoveYourSelfPH also offers pre-exposure prophylaxis, a biomedical intervention to prevent HIV infection in the form of a pill.

“There is stigma, or a mark of disgrace, associated with HIV if we view having the virus as an ‘act of disgrace’ or a shameful life experience. But in this day and age, we can prevent its transmission, and those who have it can live happy and healthy lives,” Rosadiño said.