In celebration of World AIDS Day 2021, LoveYourself has launched seven new community centers and the first ever unassisted self-testing service in the Philippines.
Related: Dating And Sex In The Midst Of A Pandemic—Is It Okay And How?
Commemorating the wins and remembering those we lost in battle, December 1 marks the day to end the stigma and bring awareness to HIV. The HIV epidemic in the Philippines is specifically the fastest growing in the Asia and Pacific region and throughout the pandemic, essential services for patients including treatment, testing, and specialized care at clinics became inaccessible. COVID-19 also puts those living with HIV at a higher risk from serious disease or death from it, alongside increased costs of transportation to clinics and loss of income are barriers in keeping the HIV pandemic under control.
But if there’s one lesson that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is that urgency, accessibility, and innovation are needed against fighting a virus. LoveYourself Inc., a community-based non-profit organization has been the country’s leading HIV advocate and they celebrate their 10th year by expanding its clinics and offering the first self-testing service in the country.
Here’s what you need to know:
Where To Locate Them
Its seven newest community centers and clinics on top of its six existing community centers are Anglo in Mandaluyong, Welcome in Manila, Victoria in Pasay, Lily in Parañaque, Hero in Bacoor, and White House in Cebu.
Additional community centers include Athena by LoveYourself in North Caloocan and Bagani by LoveYourself in Bacolod City, all of which offer free HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and life coaching.
For premium HIV care, their private clinic Luxecare is located at Starmall EDSA-Shaw and Luxecare Alabang.
How To Book An Appointment
LoveYourself has also pivoted online to provide care for patients despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To set an appointment, head to Booking by LoveYourself for sexual health and trans health services.
For those who have already enrolled in their clinics and want to continue their regular consultation, LoveYourself’s Interactive Consultation (iCON) can also be found on their site. This lets clients consult with their treatment doctor right at the comfort of their homes.
Their Xpress refill program also delivers to clients their ARVs and medicine to keep them healthy and keep the virus undetectable and incontiguous.
Who Can Avail Their Self-Care Testing Kit
With the lack of proper sex education In the Philippines, people with HIV infection have to deal with shame in the process, while most sexually active people avoid getting tested for it. To eradicate fear and guilt surrounding routine testing of HIV, LoveYourself officially launched SelfCare, the first-ever unassisted self-testing service in the country. This helps address the client’s concerns about privacy, convenience, and availability. The kit is also open to underaged individuals with proper guidance from their team’s doctors and professionals.
To order a kit, simply visit the SelfCare Facebook page on Facebook and follow the message prompts. Instructions on use, pricing, and shipping will be coordinated. Once received, expect your pack to include: the actual SelfCare test kit, SelfCare guide, a pricking lancet, sterile gauze pad, and an alcohol swab. You can then follow an online demonstration on how to take your own test led by HIV advocate Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
Learn More With PETA
PETA has teamed up with LoveYourself, The Red Whistle, and Unilab Philippines to bring their heartfelt drama “Under My Skin” to online audiences. The play aims to spread more knowledge about the realities, triumphs, and struggles of people people living with HIV and AIDS. It will be screened online on November 30 – December 5, 2021.
Tickets are available at Php 180 for Livestream, and Php 250 for Video on Demand tickets via www.ticket2me.net.
