PUERTO Princesa—Health authorities from Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, as well as Palawan, with the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., Project H4 and the city government here have launched a health and safety program for public transport drivers.
The program is dubbed “ToDOH Na To!” which provided health screening for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), tuberculosis and leprosy.
Regional Director Eduardo Janairo said the program, part of the region’s integrated infectious disease systematic screening on vulnerable population program, was launched at the Mendoza Park Covered Court on Oct. 27.
He said health assessment among drivers—250 attended the program launching—was important because they were constantly exposed to hazardous elements such as pollution which can cause health concerns like tuberculosis and skin rashes if not properly addressed.
“It is a safety concern that we must consider as we are all for safety.” he added.
Janairo said drivers were also at risk of contracting HIV due to their mobility, occupation, or partners.
Because of their vulnerability, he noted they could increase the spread of HIV to unsuspecting sectors of society, including sexual partners of injecting drug users, clients of sex workers, regular sex partners of sex workers, female sex partners of men who have sex with men and women.
Authorities said there were 283 HIV cases in the region from 1984 to the present.
Ages of cases range from 5-58 years old. Majority were males (92 percent) and majority (89 percent) were asymptomatic.
Homosexual (41 percent) practices were highest mode of transmission followed by bisexual practices (40 percent). Thirty-eight were OFWs.