THE number keeps on rising and it signals an alarming message.
Davao City Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) head Jordana Ramiterre said data from the Department of Health-Epidemiology Bureau (DOH-EB) revealed that as of the first half of 2019, a total of 3,476 human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/Aids) cases were recorded in Davao Region. A big chunk of this figure is from Davao City with 2,902 cases.
This placed Davao Region as fifth in the country with the most number of cases of HIV/Aids. The National Capital Region tops the most HIV/Aids cases with 23,634 cases, followed by Calabarzon with 11,122 cases, then Central Luzon with 8,341 cases, Central Visayas with 5,561 cases, and Davao Region.
The number of cases showed an upward trend despite the drummed up efforts and strategies applied by various groups, both public and private entities.
In the bigger picture, the recorded cases are just the tip of the iceberg as there are still thousands (hopefully not) believed to be positive with the disease but opted not take the test with fear of stigma as the top reason.
“The total number of cases would still depend on the people who had been tested. Dili pa siya accurate since naa pa’y uban nga wala pa nagpa-test. (It is still not accurate since there are some who have not been tested),” Ramiterre said.
There are a lot of factors as to the cause of this epidemic -- promiscuity, moral degradation, not practicing safe sex, lack of reproductive health education, brushing off discussions on sexual health, and stigma, among others. The increase of the figure is “multifactoral”, as it can be acquired via unprotected sex, hereditary, or blood transmission. But the leading factor is unprotected sex.
But how can we potentially stop the rise of cases? Education and awareness is still the key.
Ramiterre said there is a need to intensify information campaign in schools and in the communities.
“We need education. Because it is a behavioral process. It must be integrated in schools, especially in responsible parenthood, and adolescent reproductive health,” Ramiterre shared.
Sexual education has been pushed by many groups decades ago but with Philippines’ conservative set up, it was difficult to inject in the system. But with the present realities, do we still think that sex education can’t help?
It is high time to push for sex education and make it mandatory.
A total of 191 individuals in the region have died due to HIV/Aids since 1984, and we don’t want an addition to this alarming figure anymore.
Just like any other diseases that threaten the population, it needs the whole nation’s cooperation to combat this human race threat.