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
It’s women’s month!
“Support women every day of the year!”
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 #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour
