DOH: Better services needed vs HIV/AIDS

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) admitted on Tuesday the need to improve healthcare services to prevent the spread of HIV.

DOH spokesman Dr. Eric Tayag told ANC that this year alone, the agency is spending more than P315 million to fund services and distribute medicines to combat the virus.

However, the youth especially those between the ages of 15 to 24 have to avail of health services and be guided about the disease.

The DOH was ordered to intensify its HIV-AIDS information campaign even as a 72% spike in HIV cases was recorded in February.

“We’re not saying it’s sufficient. It needs to be scaled up because we are talking about hidden populations,” Tayag said.

“We’re talking about males who’ve infected males. We’re talking about persons who inject drugs,” he explained.

“They dont identify themselves. They know they are at risk.”

He said those vulnerable to the disease because of their lifestyle and behavior should be responsible.

Tayag added that the distribution of condoms is an important option for the DOH and he appealled to the church to understand their crusade. – ANC