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The State of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines

According to data from the Department of Health, the number of new cases of HIV being reported in the Philippines is steadily on the rise. While the absolute number of cases in the Philippines is relatively small, HIV is rising at an alarming rate in the country.

Persons who are infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) may eventually develop  AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a life threatening disease characterized by a weakened immune system.

They agreed that the HIV has spread in the Philippines largely because of the lack of public education about the virus. Because sex is a taboo topic in Filipino culture, experts speculate that the actual number of HIV cases in the Philippines may actually be higher than reported because people are too ashamed or afraid to come forward about having the infection.

[via GMA News]

HOW INCREDIBLY SAD. HIV is PREVENTABLE.

(via pinoytumblr)

World AIDS Day: How We Can Help

Today is World AIDS Day, if you’re active on Twitter, then you probably already know about it since it’s currently the top trending topic for today.

(excuse the vomit-inducing background of my twitter page, that’s me and Paul. I’ve posted that picture here on my blog before.teehee)

HIV and AIDS are arguably the most controversial diseases killing mankind. Victims of HIV and AIDS are often discriminated against and judged because of myths and misconceptions associated with these diseases.

Examples:

  • HIV and AIDS can only be passed on through sexual intercourse. (YOU CAN CONTRACT THEM THROUGH BLOOD TRANSFUSION TOO AND/OR SHARING OF NEEDLES, MOTHERS WITH HIV CAN ALSO PASS THE VIRUS ON TO THEIR BABIES DURING PREGNANCY AND THROUGH BREAST FEEDING).
  • HAVING SEX WITH A VIRGIN CAN CURE HIV/ AIDS (SO MANY YOUNG GIRLS HAVE BEEN RAPED BECAUSE OF THIS MYTH. SORRY, BUT TO DATE, THERE ARE NO KNOWN CURES FOR HIV AND AIDS. THEY CAN ONLY BE MANAGED, NOT CURED).
  • YOU CAN ONLY GET HIV and AIDS if you’re a homosexual. (YOU CAN GET IT TOO YOU HOMOPHOBIC FOOL.)

I’m not a medical expert but I do know a thing or two and I’d like to share them with you.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. When people are afflicted with viruses, our immune system usually fights them off, but HIV attacks the immune system itself making those who are HIV positive susceptible and all the more vulnerable to all kinds of diseases. The HIV virus can be passed on through different means but the most common way is through unprotected sex (if you can’t or don’t want to abstain, use a condom and be faithful to your partner).

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

AIDS is a result of HIV. On average, it takes about ten years for an HIV positive person to develop AIDS. One of the most famous victims of AIDS would probably be Freddie Mercury. He died of AIDS related complications in 1991. 

Over the years, campaigns against HIV and AIDS in different countries across the globe have grown stronger and as a result, there has been a significant decrease in HIV and AIDS prevalence, such was the case in Thailand. Sadly, the Philippines has been one of the countries left behind.

In an unreasonably conservative society like ours, sex is still considered a taboo and to this day, lobbyists, concerned citizens and a few (yes, just a FEW *sigh*) lawmakers fight for the passage of the RH Bill which has been shelved for ten years. This bill will help spread awareness and prevent the rapidly increasing rates of unplanned pregnancies, illegal abortions, maternal deaths and sexually transmitted diseases.   

I’ve stated over and over and over again that I am FOR the RH Bill and this is just one of the reasons why I support it.

By prioritizing sex education and sexual health, we can shed light on the many myths and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. It is only through equipping people with knowledge that we can win this battle. Education is key.

I am grateful for people who are strong advocates of the bill and I am hoping that their efforts will not come to naught. Let’s tell our senators and congressmen to vote for the immediate passage of the RH Bill. No more delays, we need it now. 

*******

Read On:

HIV and AIDS cases in the Philippines exceed 6,000

UNICEF Report

Watch:

Postivism | Risky Business by Wanggo Gallaga : Part one , two and three

HIV Test: The Top Ten Questions Answered

Do I Have AIDS? Signs and Symptoms of AIDS