The number of people infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to rise, but most of them don't even know they are infected. This lack of information (or perhaps a case of denial) can lead to the disease's further spreading and the rise of preventable deaths. As with any type of illness, detection is always the first step to preventing the spread of the virus and beginning to care for your health should you come out positive. And because we understand the stigma that HIV and AIDS carry, below, we've listed places where you can get tested with utmost privacy and discretion.
1. St. Luke's Medical City
Both of their hospitals in Quezon City and Global City offer HIV blood testing. All you have to do is to order up a blood testing service where you will be taken care of in the outpatient clinic. There, you will fill out a form about your personal information. Be sure to tick HIV/AIDS on the list. You will then proceed with the blood drawing and the nurse will hand you a stub with a pin number.
Your results will be available after five working days on their site and only you can access your results using your pin number.
Cost: P1200+
2. The Medical City
Much like St. Luke's, The Medical City will e-mail you your personal results after you have done the procedure.
Cost: P1000+
3. Love Yourself Anglo
Located along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City, Love Yourself Anglo offers counseling apart from free HIV testing. You get to talk to a counselor before the testing and he will be there as you open your results. He will also engage you in a post-procedure counseling where you can explore your options as you continue your battle against the disease.
They are open from 12nn to 7pm from Wednesdays through Saturdays; 9am to 2pm on Sundays.
Contact number: 0915-366-5683
4. Love Yourself Uni
Stemming from the same organization that built Love Yourself Anglo, Love Yourself Uni is located at 2028 Taft Avenue Extension, Pasay City and caters to the youth. They offer free HIV testing and a support group for anyone who avails of their service.
They are open from 12nn to 7pm from Wednesdays through Saturdays; 9am to 2pm on Sundays.
Contact number: (02) 256-9384
5. Home Kits
If you're still mustering the courage to get tested outside, you can try to get tested at home. There are home kits available on the market that allow you to do it in the comforts of your own place. Home kits do not only test for HIV but also for other types of sexually transmitted diseases. Just remember to buy kits that are certified and sealed. Do not buy from unauthorized resellers or sketchy websites.
Cost: P700-P1000
6. Government Health hubs
The government also offers health care facilities where you can get HIV and AIDS testing services. Check this link if you reside outside Manila.
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