DOH opens 2 new HIV treatment hubs in CAR

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Two additional human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment areas have been opened in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Department of Health (DOH) regional office announced on Friday.

Darwin Babon, DOH-CAR HIV-Sexually Transmitted Disease program coordinator Darwin Babon said the new hubs are accessible to patients in far-flung places.

The Abong ti Namnama (House of Hope) in La Paz, Abra and Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center in Luna, Apayao are the latest addition to HIV treatment hubs at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Baguio City Health Services Office and Notre Dame De Chartres Hospital.

Babon said the Benguet General Hospital in La Trinidad may be accredited as another HIV treatment hub.

Health authorities said the treatment hubs would be equipped with rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm confirmatory laboratory to speed up tests results.

The DOH-CAR has logged 1,034 HIV cases in the region since 1984.

Ninety-nine cases were recorded from January to August this year.