CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A total of 280 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from Cagayan de Oro City Jail-Male Dormitory underwent counseling and testing for HIV from May 29 to May 31, as part of Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP) Inc. and the City Health Office’s collaboration.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness, improve medical care, and reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in the jail community. It was led by the dedicated field staff, Rasie Jean Dacoco, regional project officer; Raffy Ardemil, case manager; and Bonn Kenneth F. Zafra, case manager, along with the assistance of peer navigators James De La Cerna, Mirasol Quiamco, Jhon Reymon De La Torre, and Marvin Dave Daba.
The counseling and testing were conducted under the guidance of duty jail nurses, supervised by JInsp. Cordella D. Sumbise, chief of the Health Section, and with the full support of city jail warden, Jsupt. William T. Manengyao, DPA. The crucial program emphasized the significance of early detection of HIV, leading to better treatment outcomes and lower transmission rates, ultimately promoting the health and well-being of both the individuals tested and the jail community as a whole.
The collaboration between Protect’s Field Staff and the City Health Office of Cagayan de Oro City marks a significant step forward in addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS in correctional facilities.
By providing counseling and testing services to the PDL, this initiative aims to enhance the quality of medical care and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV/AIDS. The commitment and dedication of all parties involved underscore the importance of comprehensive healthcare services for vulnerable populations, and we look forward to continuing this vital work in the future.
