MANILA, Philippines – The report of more than 1,000 cases of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who tested positive for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) will be investigated to determine how the workers contracted the disease.
The investigation would likewise look into what the government can do to contain the problem. (Related story: DOH warns: HIV spreading faster than ever)
“Nakakatakot iyan. Sa numbers, hindi ko masasabi kung malaki iyan o hindi. I am not familiar with the figures. Still, we will be conducting an investigation para malaman saan ito galing, saan ito nagsimula. Wala pa kasi kaming nakikita na empirical basis ng mga pag-aaral. When that is done, then we would know what action must be done and how to implement remedies to prevent the spread of HIV,” Vice President and Presidential Adviser on OFW concerns Jejomar Binay said.
Binay met with Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Health Secretary Enrique Ona to discuss the reported spread of HIV among OFWs. (Related story: 1,501 OFWs have HIV, says labor group)
The Vice President will also check if HIV screening is part of the medical exam that documented OFWs undergo before they are allowed to leave the country.
Binay said that in some countries, a person with HIV has criminal liability if it is proven that he still engaged in sexual activity even if he knew that he had the disease.
“Tingin ko dapat mayroon din niyan dito para hindi na sila makahawa,” Binay added.
Tje labor group, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), reported that a total of 1,501 OFWs have tested positive for HIV. They now account for 26% of the 5,729 reported cases in the National AIDS Registry as of end-October. –abs-cbnNEWS.com
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
“Safety and health at work every day!”
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!
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Monthly Observances:
March – Women’s Role in History Month
April – Month of Planet Earth
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Last Week of March: Protection and Gender Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week
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