Text by Asst. Prof. Julienne Ivan Soberano

The Gender Committee of the College of Nursing (CN), in cooperation with the Center for Gender and Women Studies (CGWS), the Male Nurses’ Organization, and LoveYourself Inc., successfully conducted their third annual human immunodeficiency (HIV) Testing and Counseling Day on Dec. 2, 2024. The initiative, a public service engagement of the college, was a part of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children facilitated by the CGWS.

The Testing and Counseling Day highlighted CN’s commitment to health equity, gender-sensitive care, and ending the stigma surrounding sexual health.

LoveYourself Inc., a community of volunteers that provides free HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and life coaching in the Philippines, brought their kits and equipment as part of their caravan for the said activity.

According to the UNAIDS global report released in Dec. 2024, the Philippines has seen a 543% increase in new infections between 2010 and 2023. The total number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) was recorded at 189,900 in 2023.■