We should be ‘afraid enough’ of HIV, AIDS

We must be afraid because we are not afraid enough of the HIV virus and AIDS. And because we are not afraid enough, we are not careful, often thinking that we’re invincible. “Kung mamamatay ako, mamamatay ako.” “I’m not going to get AIDS because I’m not gay.” “Hassle to use protection in the middle of sex.” These are cursory comments of people when confronted with the HIV and AIDS issue. And the stigma attached to the disease is even deadlier than the virus itself. “Almost nobody goes for AIDS testing because what’s the point in knowing,” a young person I interviewed quipped. “And besides, is it going to cure me in case I am diagnosed positive?” No, but knowing is half the battle. Medical aids including counseling are available with the Department of Health (DOH) and in DOH-accredited hospitals. There are also various Non Government Organizations (NGOs) dedicated to helping People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Listing of these organizations is available at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Very few are aware that the 1998 AIDS Law protects people even during the testing stage. If one wants to be anonymous, not even the testing doctor has the right to open the result of one’s test.

The four dimension of the Aids Law are as follows:

1. Compulsory HIV testing is unlawful.

2. Right to privacy shall be guaranteed.

3. Discrimination shall be considered inimical to individual and national interests.

4. Provision of basic social services for people with HIV shall be assured.

If we continue to be in the dark, the rate of cases will frighteningly increase. In 2006, one infection a day has been reported to the DOH registry. Today, five to six infections are diagnosed every day. July of this year, 204 cases have been reported, three have been confirmed to be full-blown AIDS. The Philippines is also one of only seven countries where the incidence of HIV/AIDS increased by over 25 percent.

Then it makes sense to be afraid so we can take good care of ourselves, our friends, our families and our communities. Let’s share what we know about responsible living and loving. Let’s talk about HIV and AIDS and learn as much information about this pandemic. Knowing the enemy is a step to waging an intelligent battle, hoping to win it someday.

As champion of the UNFPA, I am tasked to disseminate information about HIV and AIDS. I’m trying the best I can. I’ve been going around campuses and various fora talking about for instance the various ways of transmission of the HIV virus.

a. unprotected sexual intercourse

b. transfusion of contaminated blood

c. mother to child transmission during pregnancy, child birth and breastfeeding

d. sharing of contaminated needles, syringes or other sharp materials

But the task of disseminating information must be done by a community of concerned global citizens for it to make a difference.

It is refreshing that many young people are doing their share with passion and dedication. One of them is Pat Valera of Dulaang Laboratoryo of U.P. Pat wrote me a letter about his play Pulses and many more. Read on.

Dear Tito Boy,

The issue of HIV/AIDS is close to my heart. This play is an offering for a friend and for a humanity that is both frightened and confused. Although we, together with Take the Test, plan to re-run it with professional actors by October, this student run is the seed of this theater advocacy. These students, through collaborative theater, have helped me shape the play and in the process, enlightening themselves and others.

Before, when I thought of HIV and AIDS, three things came into mind. The first was the musical RENT. The actors: Americans in Bohemia but in New York, nonetheless. Although, the play tackled the disease, HIV or AIDS still seemed like a far-fetched idea. I thought it would never come to our shores. So, I would hum Seasons of Love like it was a plain love song — without the gravity of the epidemic that hit the States.

After RENT, the next image of HIV and AIDS would be our very own Sarah Jane. Exposed through a movie, news then later on reduced to the tabloids, Sarah Jane — the poster girl for HIV and AIDS did not affect me. Aside from the fact that I was young during the ’90s, she was deemed as a sex worker.

The last was the infamous ATIVAN Gang. An urban myth, I think, back in the ’90s to early millennium, the ATIVAN Gang would inject you with blood infected by HIV. Their popular target: Cinema houses. At its height, I remember I would always check my seat before I sat to relax and eat my popcorn. –Boy Abunda (The Philippine Star)

(To be continued)