20/10/2025
๐๐๐ก๐๐ข๐๐ฃ๐จ๐๐: ๐ผ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐ค๐ ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ข๐ข๐ช๐ฃ๐๐ฉ๐ฎ
The Municipality of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat established the first Primary HIV Care Center in Region XII to deliver compassionate, stigma-free, and accessible services for people living with and at risk of HIV, especially in remote and culturally conservative areas. Despite the absence of a hospital and limited health infrastructure, the Rural Health Unitโaccredited by DOH and PhilHealthโprovides early diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and continuous support, saving forty-six (46) patients living with HIV and preventing spread of infections within the municipality.
The centerโs success is anchored on its inclusive and culturally sensitive approachโcollaborating with Muslim and Indigenous leaders to integrate HIV care with maternal, TB, and family health services. It also ensures equitable access by reaching far-flung barangays through mobile clinics and telemedicine. Furthermore, its gender-sensitive programs empower women as caregivers and peer educators, while promoting active male involvement in prevention and treatment initiatives as well.
Strengthened by the unwavering support of the LGU leadership, guided by data-driven planning which is sustained through PhilHealth funding, the facility has emerged as a model of innovation and sustainability. It has pioneered key initiatives such as mobile outreach program,adopting electronic medical records, SMS adherence reminders, and peer-led education to ensure that essential HIV services reach even the most remote communities. Benchmarking visits of other LGUs, including Isulan and Tacurong, further affirm its replication potential.
The Kalamansig Primary HIV Care Center stands as a testament that with compassionate leadership, cultural respect, and strong community trust can overcome the challenges brought about by HIV and build inclusive, resilient, and people-centered healthcare systems.