Gov’t working to prevent spread of HIV/AIDS

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) – The government is working closely with the local officials as well as other stakeholders to curb the increasing number of Filipinos who have been infected by the dreaded HIV and AIDS, a senior government official said today.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview over state-run radio station that through a more focused and multi-sectoral approach and an efficient implementation of the prevention and control programs, the government remains committed to prevent the proliferation of the deadly disease in the country.

“The number of (HIV/AIDS) cases is really increasing.. The Department of Health (DOH) is working closely not just with local government units (LGUs) but with stakeholders in this issue,” Valte said.

She said the department has already launched an information drive to teach the public about the fatal infection of the HIV/ AIDS and the possible ways to protect them from the illness.

She added that other concerned government agencies are also launching HIV/AIDS prevention activities and community home-based care and support programs to reach out to more people most at risk of HIV/AIDS.

DOH data showed that as of April this year, there ere 9,396 reported HIV cases since 1984 when the first case was reported in Philippines. For the first four months of the year alone, 1,032 new cases were reported.