Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy on World AIDS Day revealed that unprotected penetrative sex is still the leading cause of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the Philippines.
Sharing of needles or syringes commonly for illegal drug use comes next, he said in an interview with Kara David on GMA News TV’s “News To Go” on Tuesday.
Suy also revealed that homosexual males are still the most at risk. But this does not mean that the others do not get a free pass.
“Iyong nangunguna pa rin ay ang mga homosexual males. Sila pa rin ang iyong pangunahing nagko-contribute sa bilang ng HIV [cases] natin. Pero, ayaw natin ilimita lang sa kanila iyong pananaw ng posibleng pagkalat sakit,” he said.
“Anybody can be at risk once you practice unprotected [sex] or iyong mga risk factors na meron ka,” the DOH spokesperson added.
About 36.9 million people globally are living with HIV including 2.6 million children.
In the Philippines, the number of new cases of HIV/AIDS rose to over 3,000 in May when the monthly tally hit 748, the highest recorded since 1984. [
DOH also said that 28 percent of the HIV/AIDS cases in the Philippines are between 15 to 24 years olds.
“While mababa tayo pero kumpara naman natin sa mabilis na pagtaas niya [HIV and AIDS cases], nakakabahala iyong bilis ng pagtaas,” Luy said.
With this, the DOH spokesperson reminded the public, especially the at risk population, to get tested.
“Ang kampanya naman namin ay nakatuon pa rin naman sa “know your status” pa rin. Kaya nga ang gusto nating mangyari ay lumabas sila, magpa-eksamen, know your status and it that way, it will guide you in your next step,” he said.
Minors who want to get tested should get consent from their parents. Luy admitted that this rule doscourages young people to get tested for HIV. However, it is a necessary step.
“Malaking balakid siya in a way dahil sa takot ng mga bata na magpa-eksamen. But then sabi nga natin, itong mga batang ito, kailangan din mabigyan ng proper guidance. Kaya sa pagpapa-test nila, bibigyan din ng counselling ang mga magulang nila,” he explained.
Luy also reminded HIV positive patients to be responsible to prevent transmitting the disease to their sexual partners. He also advised the public not to engage in unprotected sex especially if they are unsure of their health status. -NB, GMA News
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