BONTOC, Mountain Province—Five individuals were recorded as positive of human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS) in the province based on the records of the Department of Health from 1984 to present.
This was disclosed by Development Management Officer IV Claudio Pancho of the DOH Provincial Office, who also shared the ABC method to avoid and prevent the transmission of HIV-AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases or sexually transmitted infections.
ABC stands for “Abstinence,” “Being Faithful” or loyal to your partner and “Correct” and consistent use of condoms.
Provincial Family Planning Coordinator and Nurse III Dolores B. Te-elan of the Provincial Health Office said that counselling and free HIV testing are being offered at the Rural Health Units in Bauko, Bontoc, Sagada, Tadian and Paracelis, and hospitals in Mountain Province such as the Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital, Bontoc General Hospital and Paracelis District Hospital.
Te-elan added that in partnership with the DOH Provincial Office, the provincial government is conducting massive information and education advocacy campaigns on prevention and awareness to combat HIV-AIDS and STIs. These are though radio guesting and information drives during flag raising ceremonies and provincial and municipal activities.
While STIs are treatable, health authorities remarked that the public should be aware and informed of the preventive measures. STIs are infections that are passed from one person to person through sexual contact.
Common STIs are gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, Hepatitis B/C, herpes, genital warts, syphilis, pubic lice and scabies, the DOH and PHO said. The common signs and symptoms are unusual vaginal discharge, unusual penile discharge, sores and ulcers, burning sensation when urinating, swelling of the scrotum, and redness or itchiness around the vaginal or pelvic area.
It is important that possible carriers of STIs are advised to do self-examinations and have themselves tested at their local health units, health officials said.
Most STIs are treatable and it is the early detection that spells the difference between the easy and the difficult one, the HIV-AIDS for Health Workers handbook notes.
Left untreated, STIs may lead to serious complications for men, women and new-born babies. Complications include infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory diseases.
Meanwhile, Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. emphasized the province’ commitment in eradicating the disease, increase awareness and fostering understanding to the victims.
Lacwasan also solicited the involvement of all concerned government agencies and various stakeholders in the massive information education campaign for everyone to practice safe sex to avoid infection.
World AIDS day is commemorated December 1 of every year. With this year’s theme, “My Health, My Right”, it encourages people to share their views and concerns in ensuring their right to health and to create a movement highlighting the importance of erasing health inequalities.