WORLD AIDS DAY 2016
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 01 Dec 2016
CEBU ? December 1 is World AIDS Day. Every year since 1988, concerned individuals and organizations all over the world show support for the fight against the spread of HIV. Since 2008, I have written about the continuing spread of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines hoping that the powers that be who decide policy in contact sports will pay more attention to it and review their licensing requirements for boxing and MMA.
The Philippines is at high risk for a full-blown epidemic.
Last August 8, 2016, an article posted on the Philippine Star stated that ?The country has recorded the highest number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases ? over 800 in just 30 days.?
Data from the HIV/AIDS Registry of the Philippines (HARP) was cited in a report by the Department of Health (DOH) wherein a total of 841 new cases of the potentially deadly infection were recorded in June.
The previous high was 804 new HIV cases recorded last January.
It is time for the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) to reconsider their existing rules on lab tests required for boxers who apply for a license. If we ask them to have regular blood tests for Hepatitis, why not for HIV? Considering that it is also a blood-borne virus.
World AIDS Day is also is also a time to reflect on the millions of lives lost to the virus. We in the boxing community remember Tommy Morrison and Esteban de Jesus.
It is also a day to show support for people living with the virus. Being HIV positive is no longer a death sentence. It can be managed by adequate treatment. Consult a physician if you feel you need to get tested.
HIV or the human immunodeficiency virus attacks the body?s immune system and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is the result of the immune system being destroyed, which makes the infected individual prone to various infections.
HIV is passed through sexual contact, though infected blood, and intrapartum or perinatally from an HIV positive mother to infant.
Education is the best means to stop the spread of HIV. Read about it and talk about it with your friends and family.
Be safe.
Editor's note: The author is a medical practitioner and a ring physician.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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