Politics · Philippines Bureau
Medical Center Urges HIV Testing as Cases Surge in Mindanao
A government hospital in Marawi City has called for increased HIV screening among at-risk populations as confirmed cases treated at its AIDS facility nearly doubled in recent years. Health officials emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment.
LSN Philippines ·
ILIGAN CITY — Medical authorities at a major government health facility in Mindanao are pushing for expanded HIV screening efforts as confirmed cases continue to rise in the region. The Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) in Marawi City reported that its AIDS treatment hub has seen patient numbers surge to 232 cases from 2022 through the present, according to Dr. Monerah Luzviminda Macud, a medical specialist at the facility.
Dr. Macud emphasized that individuals at higher risk of HIV infection should prioritize undergoing screening to enable early detection and treatment. The medical center has positioned itself as a key treatment resource for AIDS patients in the Mindanao region, offering comprehensive care and management services.
The surge in recorded cases underscores ongoing challenges in HIV prevention and public health awareness across South and Southeast Asia. Health officials stress that early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and helps reduce transmission rates in affected communities.
APMC continues to serve as a referral center for HIV-related care in Lanao and surrounding provinces. The facility's call for increased screening reflects broader efforts by national health authorities to combat the spread of the virus through early intervention and patient education.