Banna: The municipal health office (MHO) in Banna is providing free HIV screening services throughout February as part of its efforts to curb the spread of the virus through information and education.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla, who is also a physician, has encouraged residents to take advantage of the confidential testing available at the MHO laboratory. The lab operates on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Abadilla emphasized the importance of testing by stating, "Protect yourself and your partner. Love is a shared responsibility, and it makes informed decisions. All test results are confidential. Just approach one of our healthcare personnel at the Banna MHO to get tested."
Abadilla highlighted that while HIV symptoms can vary depending on the stage, testing remains the only definitive method to determine one's status.
Provincial health data indicates that since 1984, 461 HIV cases have been recorded in Ilocos Norte, with 22 new cases reported in 2025. The majority of new infections were found in individuals aged 25-34, though cases were also noted in the 15-24 age group.
