MANILA -- Amid the debate between the health department and the Catholic Church on the use of condoms, a new move to prevent HIV-AIDS has been advised by the government.

The Department of Health (DOH) urged that information on the modes of transmission, prevention and control of this disease be integrated in the curricula of all institutions of learning.

It said the country's HIV and AIDS situation has already reached alarming proportions as it is now described as "expanding and growing,” from the previous “low and slow” and “hidden and growing” phases.

Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral noted that risk behaviors are high among males who have sex with males, people in prostitution and people who inject drugs.

The condom debate sparked when the DOH gave away free condoms last Valentine's Day. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)