WORLD AIDS DAY 2017
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 01 Dec 2017
CEBU ? December 1 is World AIDS Day. Since 1988, this date is designated to raise awareness, show support and end the stigma for those who are living with the HIV virus. It is also a day where we remember those who died from AIDS.
More Filipino millennials are being diagnosed with HIV. The Department of Health (DOH) reported that in April 2017, 80 percent of the newly diagnosed cases belong to the 15 to 34 age group. Sexual contact is the main reason for acquiring the virus.
This highlights the need for more dissemination of information and better education regarding sexual health for young Filipinos.
A few days ago, shocking articles appeared on the internet stating that the Arkansas State Athletic Commission allowed an HIV-positive boxer to fight on a November 11 fight card even if it was against U.S. federal law.
We hope the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) here in the Philippines will review their medical requirements for licensing boxers and participants in other contact sports considering the HIV/AIDS statistics in the Philippines.
Referees and cutmen licensed by the GAB should be educated regarding blood borne diseases and instructed to wear disposable medical latex gloves.
It was reported in August of this year by the DOH and the United Nations that the Philippines registered the fastest growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region in the past six years with a 140 percent rise in the number of newly diagnosed cases.
HIV/AIDS was first reported in the Philippines in 1984. The Philippine HIV/AIDS registry reported that in a two month period this year – July to August – 1,962 cases have been reported in our country.
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.
Read about HIV and talk about it with your friends and family. Education is the best way to stop the spread.
There are many testing and treatment centers already available in the Philippines.
Be safe.
PHOTO: – The red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for people living with HIV.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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