DOH: Practice safe sex, get tested for HIV

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- The Department of Health – Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) urges vulnerable populations, especially those engaging in unprotected sex, to get tested for HIV/AIDS for timely treatment if needed.

Samuel David Banico, DOH-CHD Bicol regional program manager of HIV-AIDS Prevention and Control, disclosed that a total of 1,063 positive cases of HIV-AIDS were recorded in Bicol since it was first detected some 20 years ago.

This means that the disease is fast spreading at almost 20 percent every year, he said.

Banico stated that approximately 90 percent of the positive cases were acquired through sexual contact, with 60 percent of those cases involving males having sex with males.

The statistics do not exclude the increasing number of males engaging in sexual activities with both males and females.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), the cells that help the immune system fight off infections.

If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a condition in which the immune system is significantly weakened.

HIV can spread through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex without the use of condoms.

Moreover, the disease can also be acquired through using contaminated needles for drug use or medical procedures, mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding if the mother is HIV positive, through transfusions with infected blood, and exposure to infected body fluids through open wounds or mucous membranes.

In Sorsogon, a report from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) presented during the Provincial HIV/AIDS Council meeting on September 26 revealed that there have been a total of 431 confirmed cases of HIV since 1984, with 158 cases originating from Sorsogon City.

PHO Chief Renato Bolo Jr. stated that, although there is currently no cure for HIV, effective treatment options are available. One such treatment is Antiretroviral Therapy, which involves a combination of HIV medications taken daily. This therapy helps control the virus, allowing individuals to lead long and healthy lives while also reducing the risk of transmission.

Testing centers are now widely available across Bicol, and there are self-administered testing kits for those who prefer to conduct tests at home.

Additionally, free counseling, HIV screening, and treatment services can be accessed at local health centers or facilities. Individuals who are HIV-positive or suspect they might be infected are encouraged to seek assistance from their local health workers for help and referrals if needed.

Richard Hayag, who is HIV positive, bravely shared his diagnosis at a public symposium in Sorsogon, highlighting the importance of getting tested to ensure proper treatment for those diagnosed with HIV.

As a community leader, Hayag made this revelation as part of his efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to combat the stigma associated with the condition.

He emphasized the need for regular testing, education, and compassionate support for individuals living with HIV.

“I have been hiding for nine years since I was diagnosed,” Hayag said. “But now, I want to use my platform to bring attention to HIV-AIDS and to encourage others to get tested and seek treatment if needed.”

He continued: “Living with HIV is not a death sentence. With proper medical care and support, people with HIV can lead long, healthy lives.”

The full support of family, friends, and healthcare professionals is crucial, especially as the disease is rapidly spreading among the younger population, which primarily includes students, workers, and young professionals.

According to DOH-CHD’s data, the largest cluster of HIV-AIDS patients in the region falls within the age groups of 15-24 years and 25-35 years.

“We have social hygiene clinics located in various areas of Bicol. In Naga City, Albay has clinics in Manito, Tabaco City, Legazpi City, Daraga, Ligao City, and Oas. Catanduanes has a clinic in Virac, while in Masbate, there is one in Masbate City. For Camarines Norte, the clinic is in Daet, and in Sorsogon City for Sorsogon,” he mentioned.

“If you’re not comfortable at one social hygiene clinic, you have several options to choose from,” he added.

Banico also urged the public to practice healthy behaviors to reduce the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

“If we do not adopt positive behavioral changes, the number of infected individuals may double by 2030,” he concluded. (PIA5/Sorsogon)

HIV-AIDS advocates gathered in a Candlelight Memorial to remember and openly share their thoughts and emotions to those whose lives were lost to HIV-AIDS. The activity also raises consciousness of people to submit themselves to testing to avert getting infected by the disease. (Photo: GM Bicol for SRHR, Inc)