HIV testing remains highly stigmatized in the Philippines, even with several public clinics and non-profit organizations offering this essential service. In response to this challenge, Quezon City is hoping to set a new standard for proactive HIV management and prevention by distributing self-testing kits for free.
Anyone can avail of Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit’s (QCESU) HIV self-testing kits, while delivery is also free for residents within Quezon City. This way, you are given a confidential and convenient means to learn your HIV status in the privacy of your own home. The best part? Getting a free HIV kit from QCESU won't require much of you.
The first three months of 2023 saw almost 5,000 reported HIV cases, which is 35% higher compared to what was registered in 2022, according to the Department of Health.
Although sexual contact is the most common form of HIV transmission, it can still be spread by coming into direct contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk.
How to Get a Free HIV Testing Kit in Quezon City
Fill out the reservation form
The reservation form will ask for your full name, age, sex and gender, home address, and other relevant information. Sign-ups are open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registering for the kit means you will authorize the Quezon City Health Department to collect, store, and process your personal information, but this will not be shared with others without your permission.
Wait for the verification call or text from QCESU
In case there are no calls or texts yet for confirmation, contact the QCESU hotline at any of the following numbers:
- 8703-2759
- 8703-4398
- 0999-229-0751
- 0908-639-8086
- 0931-095-7737.
Wait for the delivery of the kit
The HIV self-testing kit should be delivered to your registered address around 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Delivery is free for residents within Quezon City.
Once done with the test, QCESU is requesting its citizens to report the results through this result submission form. This crucial step helps in facilitating appropriate assistance based on the outcome, whether that involves seeking medical care or adopting preventive measures.
This story originally appeared on Spot.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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