ONE in every five Filipinos were found to have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) as of April this year, data from the Department of Health’s HIV/AIDS Registry showed.
Given this national rate of infection, it is highly probable that 2019 would be another record year for HIV infections in the Philippines. Last year, there were 11,427 cases.
There must be more aggressive awareness campaigns in workplaces and in communities. All sexually-active Filipinos should get tested and, when detected, should avail themselves of treatment. Under our new HIV-AIDS law, some teenagers can have themselves HIV-tested. The testing is free in various testing and treatment centers nationwide. PhilHealth also has its HIV care package.
In Western Visayas, DOH data showed that in March 2019 at least one was diagnosed with HIV every nine hours. Iloilo City recorded 802 cases; followed by Iloilo province with 687; Negros Occidental, 568; Bacolod City, 518; Capiz, 234; Aklan, 215; Antique, 166; and Guimaras, 64.
Data also showed that most of those with the infection were young people – due to ignorance.
Yes, ignorance is a major driver of HIV infection among the youth now, resulting to the increasing number of cases. What is alarming is that 30 percent of young people believe there is a cure for AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), as revealed by the 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality. Around 70 percent of the youth sector has this so-called “Superman Syndrome” which predisposes them to think they are insusceptible to the infection. On the other hand, latest updates from Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund) showed that the number of youth who have HIV/AIDS tripled in the past three years.
Here’s the hard reality: HIV/AIDS along with teenage pregnancy are two of the adolescence and sexual reproductive concerns considered as defining issues of this generation. Some even compare the concern on HIV/AIDS with a “complicated” relationship status on social media platform Facebook because the infection affects the wellness and well-being of the youth.
According to the National Youth Commission, out of 28 Filipinos infected with HIV, 24 or 26 are youth; 62 percent of new infections are among 15 to 24 years old while 85 percent of the new infections are between 15 to 30 years old.
Young people are smart. What we need to do is provide them with appropriate information to prevent them from engaging in risqué behavior. Correct information will enable young people to make responsible decisions and conduct suitable behavior. An improved sex education program could help control the spread of the infection, especially among the youth. Let us help them become responsible and knowledgeable to make intelligent decisions.
