BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week reiterated that values formation education through the character city program, information and education campaign through all medium goes on, for the control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Existing laws are also enforced for the inspection of night establishments and health permits of night workers, he added.
The marked increase of HIV AIDS victims is a health and moral issue, the mayor said.
This was in response to queries after the release of 2015 Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance through the Department of Health (DOH-CAR) and Health Services Office (HSO) personnel.
Three hundred (300) male/transgenders participated in the survey conducted by well-trained interviewers/counselors. Half of the respondents are 25 years old and above, with the next majority ages 18 to 24. Some of the respondents admit having sex at the age of 17, having sex with a male at 18, and the use of condoms at 19 years of age.
One alarming factor is that some seek out partners from the social networking site. The partner may be a paying client.
HIV AIDS could be acquired through sexual transmission, blood transfusion, mother-to-child, and in some cases, unknown causes
As the study’s criteria includes that of having sec with males, 135 (of the 300 respondents) admitted having feminine expression, while 165 express being masculinity.
Majority of the respondents finished high school with most in college or post-graduate studies. Majority of the respondents are also single; but may be living with a partner.
A big number, 81% of the sample respondents have not undergone HIV AIDS testing; 11% have not undergone testing, 7% tested and knows the result, while 1% underwent testing but did not claim results.
Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, assured the respondents’ identify as confidential as with HIV AIDS conducted. There has to be informed consent, and the need for a confirming test before the patient is conferred a positive result. All assistance options is then offered to the patient.
She pointed out that family and community support counts most, with some support groups that are willing to help out.
Since 1984, Baguio among the Cordillera region areas, has 160 victims, Benguet having 23, Abra with26, and the other provinces; Apayao, 7; Ifugao, 5; Kalinga, 4; and Mt. Province 5./Julie G. Fianza
