Unicef sees rise in HIV cases among Filipino teenagers

A STUDY on the infection rates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) revealed that the Philippines is one of seven countries that have seen an increase in such cases, which now involve people as young as 15.

According to data cited by the Department of Health and the United Nations Children’s Education Fund’s (Unicef) State of the World Children Report, about a third of all new infections occur in young people belonging to the 15 to 24-year-old age bracket—a 10-fold increase from 41 in 2007 to 489 in 2010.

“There is no doubt that HIV+AIDS [Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome] in the Philippines has an adolescent face. We know from research and findings around the world that the youth need sound and accurate information on sexual and reproductive health to protect them from teen pregnancy, [high-risk] sexual behaviors, sexually transmitted infections [STI] and HIV,” said Vanessa Tobin, Unicef country representative.

Out of 63 countries listed on the 2010 UNIAIDS Global Report, all other countries have stable or decreasing infection rates, except for Armenia, Bangladesh, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan and the Philippines.

Figures on the totality of HIV cases in the country also showed an alarming increase, from 342 in 2007 to 1,591 in 2010.

Most of those infected were males, 62 percent of which belong to the 19 to 20-year-old age group, and 57 percent of which hail from the National Capital Region, or Metro Manila.

A survey conducted among young people on HIV and STI awareness showed that 73 percent of the respondents thought they were immune to the disease, and only 18 percent to 24 percent among 15 to 17-year-olds were able to answer five simple questions about the virus.
Also, only 0.5 percent of high-risk adolescents who took part in the survey had ever been tested for HIV.

Despite the disturbing onset of the disease in youngsters, the Health department’s Dr. Enrique Tayag said that adolescence in itself presents an opportunity to “spread, as well as prevent, HIV.”

“The Philippines has led the Southeast Asian region in recognizing and promoting adolescent rights and giving young people a voice. It is now important to listen to those voices and respond to adolescents’ need to receive clear accurate information on protecting themselves from STIs and HIV,” Tobin said.

Among the recommendations made by the group included investing in education and training the youth about the disease; advocating opportunities for young people to voice out their views; and promoting laws, principles and programs that protect the rights of both children and adolescents against exploitation.

The Department of Education, meanwhile, has partnered with Unicef in producing education materials in a campaign to better educate the high school students on HIV and STIs.

One such educational item—a video titled “Power of You”—focuses on critical situations that teenagers encounter while going through adolescence.

Its context is based on familiarizing the youth with self-awareness, critical and decision-making, expressing one’s view, resisting peer pressure, problem-solving and access to information. –Maria Nikka U. Garriga, Reporter, Manila Times

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