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Wednesday, May 31, 2006
'People with Aids are people with hearts and minds
By Genalin D. Ducay
PERSONS infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids) are people with hearts and minds. They need to be supported."
So said Dr. Jojo Sescon, director of the Remedios Aids Foundation Inc. based in Manila.
The group visited Bacolod City Tuesday to conduct a workshop to revitalize and help the province manage support programs intended for people living with HIV or people who are tested positive for the virus.
It is in coordination with the local government units, AIDS council, and other non-government organizations.
Sescon said his group intends to intensify care and support services for people living with HIV, creating awareness on the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome through accurate dissemination of the basic information about the disease including its mode of transmission.
Sescon further said that the fight against Aids is a multi-sectoral effort and should not only be relied to provincial health officials and government units but to the community as well.
Fear in mingling with persons living with HIV will only be resolved, according to Sescon, through accurate dissemination of information and advocacy campaigns.
He added that the stigma occurs for three reasons - stereotyping, fear and invincibility.
"We think that only those in a homosexual relationship and commercial sex workers are getting Aids This is the common way of stereotyping, which should not be the case," says Sescon.
The need for introspection is encouraged by Sescon, who said each person should be honest enough to examine himself. People also need to make changes in their risky behavior and educate other members of the family.
The Remedios Foundation has been in operation for the past 15 years and has started their campaign against Aids in Manila and Cebu and has likewise extended to the Northern part of Leyte and Bohol.
Sescon said Aids is no longer a taboo issue as it is as regular as hypertension and diabetes and that people should accept this fact.
(May 31, 2006 issue)
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