Caloocan pushes for safer, more inclusive spaces for HIV-positive

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Caloocan is pushing for safer and more inclusive spaces for people afflicted with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS.

The city health department on Friday held a summit on HIV, which was attended by officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan from various barangays.

The conference focused on the dissemination of accurate information about HIV, including preventive measures, myth-busting and possible treatment with the aim of allowing the city’s youth leaders to spread awareness about the virus to their own communities.

Mayor Dale Gonzalo Malapitan acknowledged the need for more inclusive space for HIV-positive people and assure them that he would continue working with stakeholders to continuously upgrade the programs in place to tackle the issue.

Malapitan said he wants people afflicted with HIV not to feel discriminated in their city.