23/05/2025
The Health Education and Promotion Office (HEPO), in collaboration with the hospital’s HIV Coordinator, successfully conducted a Health Education and Literacy (HEAL) Program at the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the hospital, focusing on raising awareness about HIV among OPD patients, particularly pregnant women. This initiative is part of the hospital’s continuous efforts to provide accessible, relevant, and timely health information to its clients, especially those in vulnerable groups.
The session was facilitated by Ms. Jeannie Anne Bulan, the hospital’s HIV Coordinator, who provided a comprehensive discussion on “What is HIV?” She explained that HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
The talk highlighted the different modes of transmission of HIV, which include unprotected sexual in*******se, sharing of contaminated needles, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding, and transfusion of infected blood products. Ms. Bulan also discussed the body fluids through which HIV can be transmitted and tested, specifically blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
To promote HIV prevention, Ms. Bulan introduced the ABCDE approach:
• A – Abstinence: Avoiding sexual activity
• B – Be Faithful: Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner
• C – Correct and Consistent Condom Use: Proper use of condoms during every sexual encounter
• D – Don't Share Needles: Avoiding the use of shared or unsterilized injecting equipment
• E – Education: Seeking correct information and getting tested to know one’s HIV status
The session was designed to be informative and engaging, allowing participants to ask questions and clarify concerns. Pregnant women were particularly encouraged to undergo HIV testing as part of prenatal care to help prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Through this HEAL Program, the hospital continues to empower patients with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions for themselves and their families, reinforcing the importance of HIV awareness, prevention, and early detection. Participants expressed appreciation for the session, acknowledging its importance in protecting not just their own health but also that of their unborn children.
"CIMC is recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) as an accredited center for RHIVDA, HIV screening, and confirmatory testing services."