Coinciding with the World AIDS Day, Quezon City councilors on Friday passed on third reading a comprehensive measure to address sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS cases.
District 1 Councilor Lena Marie Juico authored the measure adopting and localizing Republic Act No. 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act.
The ordinance also aims to strengthen the city’s mechanisms in the delivery of treatment and care services to People Living with HIV (PLHIV), and reinforce cooperation among stakeholders to eradicate stigma and discrimination surrounding the epidemic.
Under the measure, the Quezon City STI, HIV, AND AIDS Council (QCSAC) was reorganized.
“The QCSAC may, as necessary, invite to its meetings and activities, other government agencies, NGOs, and experts, who have the relevant expertise that may be useful to accomplish its functions,” the measure read.
The council shall be responsible for developing, reviewing, and ensuring the implementation of the comprehensive STI, HIV, AIDS prevention and control action plan. Rio N. Araja
Data from the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit showed that as of Sept., some 7,173 residents have been diagnosed positive for HIV, of which, 4,433 individuals or 62 percent are on treatment.
