CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Jan.14 (PIA) -- Department of Health (DOH) teamed up with Project Red Ribbon, World Health Organization Philippines and UNAIDS Philippines for the Love on Wheels Project in Central Luzon.

It aims to aid in the intervention gaps and resource constraints of the human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infections (HIV/STI) facilities and community-based organizations, assures continuity of essential public health services, and forges towards better normal implementation in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are sharing the love to Central Luzon, through this project, which is aimed to cushion the effects of COVID-19 to our HIV services. We also call our private sector to be strongly involved in our fights against HIV," Project Red Ribbon President Ico Rodulfo said.

A total of 28 electronic bikes were distributed today to select local government units, HIV Treatment Hubs, Primary HIV Care Clinics and community-based organizations.

The provision of electronic bikes will capacitate local service providers and partner organizations in implementing, managing and sustaining a comprehensive package of services on HIV/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and management during the pandemic.

"I think let's look at the positive effect of COVID-19 and how the health sector is reacting on it by implementing innovative approaches, such as e-bikes which bring the services closer to the community if not at their doorsteps," UNAIDS Philippines Executive Director Louie Opcampo explained.

For his part, DOH Regional Director Cesar Cassion gave his take on how collaborations with different organizations are redefining the campaign of HIV/AIDS prevention and management.

"Love on Wheels exhibits the value of multi-sectoral partnership in public health interventions, especially with the HIV Program. It is a reminder of our concerted efforts gearing towards our vision of Universal Health Care," Cassion said.

As of November 2020, Central Luzon has recorded 8,089 cumulative cases from 1984 or 10 percent of the national epidemic. As such, DOH is still encouraging the community to intensify efforts on prevention, testing, treatment initiation and adherence. (CLJD-PIA 3)