MANILA, Philippines – The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday came to the rescue of Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral by giving assurance that condoms can prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Dr. Soe Nyunt-U, WHO representative in the Philippines, said “the correct and consistent use of good-quality condoms confers a level of protection as high as 85-90 percent against HIV transmission.”
“Male and female condoms, when properly kept, stored, handled and used, are the only scientifically proven barrier products currently available against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,” he said.
Cabral had drawn mixed reactions when the Department of Health (DOH) distributed condoms to buyers of flowers at the Dangwa flower market in Sampaloc, Manila on the eve of Valentine’s Day to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS.
The Catholic Church demanded Cabral’s resignation while supporters of family planning praised her.
The WHO statement came on the heels of reports that HIV cases are alarmingly increasing in the Philippines.
“The number of newly reported HIV infections increased from one infection every three days in 2000, to one infection per day in 2007, and two infections per day in 2009,” WHO said. – Sheila Crisostomo, Philippine Star
June 2025
Philippine Environment Month!
“Action for Nature, for the Future!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideosturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
1 Jun – World Day of Parents
5 Jun – World Environment Day
7 Jun – World Food Safety Day
8 Jun – World Oceans Day
12 Jun – World Day Against
Child Labour
15 Jun – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
16 Jun – International Day of Family Remittances
17 Jun – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
20 Jun – World Refugee Day
25 Jun – Day of the Seafarer
27 Jun – Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
Daily Observances:
First Saturday of July:
International Cooperative Day
in the Philippines
