Standing in solidarity with bringing awareness of HIV-AIDS and combatting stigma and discrimination, the City of Valenzuela, through the Valenzuela City Social Hygiene Clinic, commemorates “World AIDS Day” at the ALERT Multi-Purpose Center Hall, on December 3, 2024.

Bearing the theme “Rhythm of Resilience: Transform Lives in Motion”, the City Government of Valenzuela, through the Valenzuela City Social Hygiene Clinic, participated in the worldwide commemoration of World AIDS Day 2024 and conducted an interpretative dance contest. The competition aims to promote awareness of AIDS and encourage empathy, understanding, and social acceptance of people living with HIV (PLHIV). This event was the first among the future activities to be conducted by the City in observance of World AIDS Day.

Several Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and healthcare volunteers in the city attended the event. The youth participants who performed various interpretative dances hailed from different schools in Valenzuela City. 

The head of the City Health Office, Dr. Marthony Basco, emphasized in his message what it means to contract AIDS and how it should not define the worth of a person. “Ang AIDS po ay hindi tao. [Ito ay] isa lang kondisyon, at kapag [ito ay] isang kondisyon, puwede itong magbago. Kaya hindi tayo nag-di-discriminate ng mga taong may AIDS.” Dr. Basco also debunked several misconceptions surrounding AIDS and encouraged people to lay off the negative social stigma against people who are struggling with the disease.

The Valenzuela City Social Hygiene Clinic is a well-equipped facility for HIV-AIDS screening, consultation, and counseling. It offers free HIV/AIDS testing, STI screening, medication, counseling, and support groups for those who tested positive. All of the services in Valenzuela City Social Hygiene Clinic, including the test results, are treated with confidentiality.

For more information, contact the Valenzuela City Social Hygiene Clinic at +639194321448. The clinic is located in the vicinity of the Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital at G. Lazaro St. Barangay Dalandanan, Valenzuela City.

The City of Valenzuela believes that there is a life that continues beyond one’s illness and healing is for everyone. By firmly promoting the destigmatization of HIV/AIDS, Valenzuela continuously fosters an empathetic environment that is safe for every Pamilyang Valenzuelano.

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