SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MANILA, Philippines – In line with the celebration of World AIDS Day on December 1, the advocacy group LoveYourself, Inc. will be holding back-to-back events in a massive awareness campaign to help curb the rising cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the country. (WATCH: Rappler Talk: Curbing the HIV epidemic in PH)
LoveYourself will be conducting a free and confidential HIV screening on November 29 to raise awareness about sexual health, particularly about knowing one’s HIV status.
The event, dubbed as “Ito ang Tamang Panahon” in reference to the hugely popular celebrity couple Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, is the group’s second free HIV Screening Day for this year and will be conducted in Victoria Court, North EDSA in Caloocan City.
“There’s no better time to know your HIV status than now,” says Ronivin Pagtakhan, founder and executive director of LoveYourself, Inc., adding that regular testing goes a long way in combating the spread of the virus.
Aside from free HIV testing, LoveYourself will also be holding the first Mr and Ms Fratpad, a pageant for “ambassadors of self-worth” aimed at spreading HIV/AIDS awareness in the country through clans and groups of young MSMs.
Winners of Mr and Ms Fratpad will be crowned in a culmination night on November 28 at the Kaban ng Bayan Hall, 3/F Mandaluyong City Hall, which will include performances from renowned acts such as the Philippine All-Stars among others.
The candidates will be further be featured in an upcoming magazine that is being developed in partnership with the HIVOS program, an international organization that seeks new solutions to persistent global issues such as discrimination, inequality, abuse of power, and unsustainable use of world’s resources.
The magazine will also tackle sexual health and will be distributed in LGBT-friendly bars and organizations in the Philippines and across Asia.
“Mitigating HIV all starts with self-worth,” notes Pagtakhan, who says that the group advocates not only against the spread of HIV, but the misinformation, stigma and discrimination often associated with it. “It’s a continuous effort, and we hope to engage everyone through these activities,” he adds.
In September of this year alone, the Department of Health reported 692 cases of new HIV infections representing a 23% increase from the same month last year. An average of 22 Filipinos daily now get infected with the virus, which, when left untreated, severely weakens the immune system and leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS, a condition where the body is no longer able to fight off various diseases and infections. (READ: The dead, the dying, and the woman who prays for them)
In response, the 500-strong volunteer group continues to run two free HIV testing clinics in Metro Manila, The LoveYourself Anglo along Shaw Boulevard and The LoveYourself Hub in the Research Institute for Tropical Medicines (RITM) Satellite Clinic in Malate.
The group also offers free sexual health education and counseling services. – Rappler.com
LoveYourself invites everyone to sign-up and register at go.loveyourself.ph/TamangPanahon.
HIV/AIDS is a problem in many communities – both rural and urban – across the Philippines. Responding to our communities’ concern about the issue, Rappler’s MovePH is launching a campaign to promote awareness on the issue. Follow our stories through the hashtags #StayNegatHIVe #LivePositive.
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.