Campaign against HIV- AIDS upped Cordillera

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Health-Cordillera has launched information campaign to lessen Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) in the region even as health officials said the  dreaded diseases these could be prevented.

In this tourism resort, Health and government officials recent held AIDS candle lighting ceremonies at SM Center to highlight dangers of the diseases.

Fighting the diseases is a concern of all, according to messages from Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Councilor Fred Bagbagen, Health Services Office head Dr. Rowena Galpo, DOH Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan, other medical personnel and health advocates.      

Marlene de Castro of the Baguio Center for Young Adults (BCYA), said  each should employ intelligent decisions, and use discipline with responsibility when confronted with AIDS-related situations. Government agencies, non-government organizations are within reach for persons needing help, she said.

During the forum were members of the Baguio Association of Bars and Entertainers (BABES), including government personnel and concerned private individuals.

Anti-AIDS activities here were an offshoot of national AIDS prevention control program launched in the Philippines. This was followed by organization of persons with AIDS, establishment of the Bahay Lingap in 1995, an AIDS international congress in the Asia and the Pacific in 1996, an AIDS  congress with the Department of Interior and Local Government in 1997, Philippine Information Agency, non-government organizations) and the mass media who joined the information campaign.           

There is no known technology nor medical cure for AIDS, thus everyone should keep safe and healthy, Bagbagen said. It was for this purpose that exercises including the popular Zumba dance-fitness program  was endorsed

AIDS, though preventable, is transmitted through unprotected sex, blood transfusion, needle and syringe use specially among drug users, and breastfeeding. Statistics now show a steep increase in AIDS cases due to rapid transmission, and now termed as “epidemic,” causing alarm among health and medical personnel. The cases show the vulnerability of every individual, thus the need for precaution.

For those infected, researches on pain treatment caused by AIDS infections are being done, Dr. Galpo said in her message. 

A voluntary, confidential and free diagnostic HIV testing is provided, including pre and post counseling, in coordination with the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center and DOH-CAR, Dr. Pangilinan said in her message.

Early diagnosis, treatment, care and support, including a non-stigma approach and non-discriminatory environment is favorable for infected persons, it was known.

The ABCDE for the prevention of AIDS are: Abstinence; Be Faithful; Careful Sex; Don’t Share Needles; Education and information.  

Other offices represented in the forum include the Baguio AIDS watch council, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Education, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), the Philippine National Red Cross, among other national and local agencies.