Health Dept Eyes Support of Faith-Based Groups in Campaign Against HIV Spread among Youths

By Leilani S. Junio

MANILA, Feb. 1 (PNA) –- Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial said Wednesday her department is planning to tap faith-based groups in its intensified campaign against the spread of HIV among youths, after its plan to give sexually active teenagers access to condoms in schools was turned down by the education department.

Ubial said the Department of Health (DOH) will “work with all partners, including the Church and faith-based organizations” to reach out to youths and provide them correct information on HIV and how to prevent its spread.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Monday made it clear that her department will not be involved in the health department’s plan to distribute condoms, saying this is the function of health centers. Briones said the education department will instead review and strengthen the basic education curriculum to include reproductive health education, based on the guidelines set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Ubial noted that they will now work with the education department in developing an age-appropriate sex education that would teach students to value themselves, become responsible for their actions, be aware and understand the possible consequences of risky sexual behaviors, know how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, and how to be of help to those suffering from the lethal disease.

Meanwhile, the health chief assured that those who want access to condoms, as well as guidance and counseling on HIV, could approach health centers, and partner civil society organizations of the DOH.

Citing official data, the health department has said that 62 percent of new HIV infections in the country belonged to the 15-24 age group, that knowledge of HIV and its prevention is very poor among youths, and that youths do not have much access to condoms. (PNA)
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(Source: PNA.gov.ph)