HIV/AIDS advocacy in W.Visayas gaining ground
Record from the region's health department showed that there are now 75 individuals here in Western Visayas considered as persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The data however covers from the period beginning year 1994 up to March this year.
Nothing to worry with the increase in number according to Ms. Charity Perea, HIV/AIDS program coordinator of the Department of Health (DOH) 6.
“We should not be alarmed with the coming out into the open of these persons, it shows that the government’s advocacy to reach out for them is gaining ground,” she said.
Perea said, of the total number 24 PLWHAs already died while 51 others are availing of medical assistance from the government through DOH and other non-government organizations (NGOs).
“It is possible that there are still several PLWHAs out there, and are afraid or ashamed to come out,” Perea said.
Perea emphasized that there is no cure for AIDS, but a person infected with the virus can extend his/her life and improve the quality of his/her life in a number of ways.
She mentioned of the anti-retroviral drugs (ARV) which help reduce mortality and morbidity, but these are very expensive.
HIV (acronym for human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body’s immune system and then causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is a fatal syndrome because the progressive damage to the body’s immune system leaves people highly susceptible to contracting certain diseases.
Perea said, PLWHAs who turn themselves confidentially to the DOH, are given medical assistance. Some of the PLWHAs in the region are openly joining in the advocacy of the government to prevent and control HIV/AIDS.
Perea said that Western Visayas is the only region in the country that has organized the PLWHAs and likewise several government and non-government organizations are closely helping the DOH raise public awareness on HIV/AIDS.
The Regional HIV/AIDS Coordinator said that DOH 6 received from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo an award citing their program on Empowering Persons Living with HIV/AIDS.
The President was guest of honor at the 3rd Best Public Sector Projects Awards (BPSPA) held in Bacolod City recently, awarded trophies and prizes to 12 public sector contestants.
Hosted by the Regional Development Council 6, the BPSPA serves to recognize and emulate good public sector practices, excellence in governance, and effective program and project implementation initiated by local government units (LGUs) to uplift and improve the lives of their constituents. (With reports from Totei Villavert of PIA6)