Number of Filipino Youths with HIV Rapidly Increasing
The rising number of young Filipinos testing positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is being described as a worsening “youth epidemic” in the Philippines, has sparked concern.
“The National Youth Commission (NYC) is extremely alarmed by the unprecedented spike in HIV infection among our youth. HIV/AIDS is one of the most urgent concerns facing the Filipino youth today. Our young people are at risk and vulnerable,” Philippine Star quoted chair Aiza Seguerra as saying.
“The HIV epidemic in our country has a new face and it is the face of a young person,” the NYC chief added.
Citing official statistics, the youth commission reportedly said 62 percent of new HIV cases in the country this year was among young people between 15 and 24 years old.
“Out of the 29 Filipinos who get infected every day in the Philippines, more than half or 19 are 15 to 24 years old. Twenty-five out of the 29 are 15 to 30 years old,” NYC commissioner Percival Cendaña added.
The Department of Health (DOH) projects that more than 55,000 Filipinos will get infected with HIV this year.
According to Antoinette Evangelista, project officer at the DOH’s National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program, the agency’s Epidemiology Bureau made the projection based on diagnosed cases reported to the DOH and the trend of the disease in the country.
“The epidemic is affecting young people at an unprecedented rate,” Cendaña was quoted as saying. “HIV incidence in the country is increasing at a ‘fast and furious’ rate. Even more fast and furious is the rate of infection among our youth.”
Evangelista reportedly said the “fast and furious rate” of HIV infections in the country began in 2008.
Seguerra called for immediate and comprehensive interventions to address the epidemic, calling on different stakeholders to help in empowering the youth with the right information to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Unprotected sex is the main driver of the epidemic. We have to enable the youth to make responsible decisions, (ranging) from abstaining from sex to using a condom,” Seguerra was quoted as saying by Philippine Star.
The NYC expressed support for a proposed legislation that would strengthen measures against HIV/AIDS in the country, including allowing minors to have themselves tested without parental consent.
“HIV is not a death sentence. Sexually active young people should get tested. The earlier they know their HIV status, the earlier they can seek care and treatment to improve quality of life,” Cendaña reportedly said.
(Source: FilipinoTimes.ae)