THE Davao City Health Office (CHO) bared its plan to require condom dispensing machines in some establishments in the city such as motels, inns, and restaurants.
Although giving of condoms are already available at Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) and other district centers, CHO still wants the local health board to put up condom dispensing machines for accessibility.
"We are really trying to come up with an ordinance this meeting with the Davao City Aids Council (DCAC). That will be on the visibility and accessibility of condoms on establishments," CHO Health Education and Promotion Officer Priscilla Senoc said, adding that this proposal will also consider other factors.
Meanwhile, committee on health chair Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte said yesterday that condoms is one of the strategies to lower cases of the Human Immuno Virus or HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids) in the city.
"Right now, alam natin na one of the strategies to lower HIV and Aids cases sa country is to promote the use of condoms. Alam natin that some of our adolescents, not all, are engaging in sexual debut," she said.
The Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) recorded 297 HIV positive cases from January to December 2018. With this, City Government is continuously taking actions against the proliferation of HIV/Aids. ( April Grace Asgapo, Shaira Mae Panilag/UM interns with LHC)