THE City Health Office of Zamboanga, in partnership with the City Multi-sectoral Aids Council (ZCMSAC), will spearhead the commemoration of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on Sunday, May 15.
Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, city health officer, said the commemoration is scheduled to be held from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Great Sta. Cruz Island on Sunday.
Commemorated globally in honor of those who perished due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-Aids), the activity will be highlighted by a fluvial parade from the Paseo del Mar to Sta. Cruz Island where an ecumenical prayer and candlelight ceremony will be held.
Agbulos said the event forms part of the advocacy to prevent and control the spread of HIV-Aids, one of the most dreaded diseases worldwide.
HIV is the virus that causes HIV infection with Aids as the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
HIV is spread primarily by unprotected sex (including anal and oral sex), contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
Some bodily fluids, such as saliva and tears, do not transmit HIV.
Methods of prevention include safe sex, needle-exchange programs, treating those who are infected, and male circumcision.
City Health Office records showed that over 100 HIV-Aids cases have been reported in the city with over 20 deaths in the past years.