HIV testing lags in Iloilo, officials urge prevention

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Low HIV testing coverage, limited diagnosis, minimal health-seeking behavior among the youth, and persistent stigma continued to challenge Iloilo’s HIV response, officials said during the Provincial Local AIDS Council meeting on Tuesday, November 11.

Data from the Provincial Health Office showed the province has yet to meet the global 95-95-95 HIV targets for four consecutive years.

The UNAIDS benchmarks call for 95% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.

From 2022 to 2025, the province recorded low diagnosis and treatment coverage among PLHIV.

As of June 2025, officials estimated around 4,800 PLHIV, but only 1,988 or 41% had been diagnosed.

Of those diagnosed, 1,583 or 80% were undergoing treatment, and 1,065 or 67% had achieved viral suppression.

Health officials attributed the gaps to stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to youth-friendly HIV services.

Department of Health Region 6 data indicated that most PLHIV in Western Visayas are in the working-age group at 67%, followed by the youth sector at 31%, with 97% of reported cases involving males.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon said the figures underscored the need to expand testing and strengthen awareness with a focus on prevention.

One intervention being scaled up is pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, a daily medication that significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection.

Officials said PrEP can offer up to 98% protection when taken as prescribed.

Quiñon urged individuals at higher risk to avail of free HIV testing and PrEP at district hospitals, rural health units, and community-based centers across the province.

Testing and treatment services are available in the following facilities:

• RISE Clinic – Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital (Guimbal)
• SHINE Clinic – Aleosan District Hospital (Alimodian)
• PINK Clinic – Janiuay Rural Health Unit
• CARE Clinic – Concepcion Rural Health Unit
• JUST Clinic – Jesus M. Colmenares Memorial District Hospital (Balasan)
• MOCHA Clinic – Calinog Rural Health Unit
• I HEART Clinic – Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital (Cabatuan)
• IWAG Clinic – Iloilo Provincial Hospital (Pototan)

Additional free testing and PrEP are available at the Gorgeous Beauty and Wellness Center in Janiuay, Pavia Rural Health Unit, Merry Mart Building (in front of Oton RHU), Concepcion Care Clinic, and Highway Inn Pension House in Calinog.

Meanwhile, the PHO invites everyone to join the upcoming “Race to Zero: Zero new infections, Zero stigma, and Zero AIDS-related deaths!” on November 29 at 4:00 a.m. at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Grounds.

The fun run aims to promote awareness and solidarity in the fight against HIV.