Public assured of HIV test confidentiality

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National AIDS Council or PNAC has assured people who want to avail themselves of the government’s free HIV testing services that their identities will be kept private.  

“We guarantee those who will avail themselves of the HIV tests that information will remain confidential. Our health workers will protect this confidentiality,” PNAC head Joselito Feliciano said.

He said there are several government HIV treatment facilities that provide free testing and medicines.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has called for the declaration of a national public health emergency for HIV, saying the cases have increased by 500 percent from 2010 to 2023.