Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Health Care vice chairman Military Ordinariate Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio cited the need to create widespread awareness on the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
The Church leader said, the CBCP-ECHC, hopes to help spread information on HIV/AIDS to help those suffering from the illness as well as to help in its prevention.
"It has become a problem for the CBCP-ECHC because of the lack of widespread information on HIV/AIDS. Individuals who had tested positive must be advised to seek proper intervention. There must also be a massive information drive to help create awareness on its prevention,” said Bishop Florencio over Radio Veritas.
The CBCP-ECHC joins the observance of World AIDS Day on December 1.
“There is always hope for HIV/AIDS sufferers. They just have to seek expert advice on how to properly take care of their health,” the bishop said.
“Be assured that even if you are suffering from HIV/AIDS and other serious health problems, always remember that the Church is here for you. You are part of the Church. We are praying for you. You are part of the synodal church,” Bishop Florencio said.
The theme for this year’s observance of World AIDS Day is “Equalize.” According to the HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines, the country has about 1,347 confirmed cases of HIV as of September 2022. Ninety-six percent of the confirmed cases are males.