Health dept. pressures Congress to pass RH bill

The Department of Health has  pressed for the passage of the much-debated reproductive health bill amid the alarming increase of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases in the country.

The department has reported 709 cases of HIV/AIDS in the country in the first 10 months of 2009. In 2008, there were only 528 cases.

“There must be a guideline on the use of certain things concerning reproductive health, such as on the use of condoms for the prevention of transmission of HIV/AIDS. We have this in the RH bill but as we know, it is still pending legislation,” newly appointed Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral said.

There are laws that intend to prevent or control the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country, one of which is Republic Act 8504, or the Aids Prevention and Control Act of 1988.

However, Cabral said this law and some programs of the government would be reinforced by the passage of the RH bill.

She pointed out certain provisions in the bill that will strengthen the campaign of the Health department against diseases of the reproductive system.

Cabral said she would push for the approval of the RH bill despite strong opposition from the influential Catholic Church and other pro-life groups.

The Philippine General Hospital recently reported that the number of Filipinos infected with HIV has hit the 100 mark in the past 10 months.

Several groups of AIDS victims and supporters also believe that the RH bill will help control the alarming increase in the numbers of HIV victims.

“The use of condoms is actually the best way to avoid being infected by sexually transmitted diseases. Some people are just making it appear that it is something bad,” Edu Razon, president of Pinoy Plus, said.

The group Girls Women and HIV and AIDS Network (GWHAN), on the other hand, said the government must now act on the propagation of wrong information on reproductive health.

“The widespread disinformation, misinformation and increased efforts to demonize condom use must be disproved with accurate data,” Marlon Lacsamana of GWHAN said.

Cabral averred, saying the government must step its effort to communicate to the public the right information concerning reproductive health.

She said that besides the information campaigns, the government must also fill the deficiency in providing the people services that will help them prevent HIV diseases. –ROMMEL C. LONTAYAO Reporter, Manila Times