Miss Universe PHL 2018 Catriona Gray gets tested for HIV

Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray is leading by example, encouraging everyone to be brave and free like her. 

The beauty queen this week shared a video of her experience at a clinic that provides free and confidential testing for HIV. 

"I've never been tested before, so this is a completely new experience for me. But I want to show you all that it's a safe space and it shouldn't be scary and that if I can do, you can do it," Catriona said. 

The video doubles as a tour of the clinic, Love Yourself Anglo in Mandaluyong. The process begins with registration, followed by a brief educational overview about HIV and AIDS. 

Next is an initial risk assessment and then after, the actual testing procedure. A small drop of blood is drawn by a pinprick, which Catriona said doesn't hurt at all. 

Patients are informed of their results almost immediately and the counselors at the clinic will provide whatever help is necessary for both reactive and non-reactive patients. 

The test is simple and free, and LoveYourself founder Ronnievinn Garcia Pagtakhan encourages all sexually active Filipinos to know their status.

Data from the Department of Health showed that at least 55,282 Filipinos have been diagnosed with HIV from January 1984 to May 2018. 

Health Secretary Duque previously encouraged the public to get tested. Should you test positive, the DOH is ready to provide counseling and anti-retroviral treatment. — AT, GMA News

LoveYourself Anglo is at Unit 5, 3/F, Anglo Building, #715-A Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong. Contact 0915 172 3707 for more information.