TUCP calls for intensified anti-HIV programs

MANILA, Philippines – Alarmed over the rising number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) afflicted with HIV, the country’s largest labor group yesterday pushed for additional funding for intensified anti-HIV campaign.

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said concerned government agencies must allocate more resources to prevent the spread of HIV among OFWs.

TUCP secretary-general and former senator Ernesto Herrera said it is not just the Department of Health (DOH) that should devote more resources to preventive education campaigns targeted at foreign-bound as well as returning migrant laborers but also the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

“There is no question that once exposed to foreign cultures, OFWs, especially sailors, tend to put their guard down. As a result, they risk contracting HIV, mainly through unsafe sex practices,” Herrera pointed out.

According to DOH data, OFWs now account for one-third of all HIV and full-blown AIDS cases in the country. –(The Philippine Star)