Spread of HIV cases among OFWs to be probed

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