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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Safe sex reduces risk of getting HIV infection, DOH reminds public

Safe sex reduces risk of getting HIV infection, DOH reminds public

Published Mar 15, 2023 04:34 am
The Department of Health (DOH) once again emphasized the importance of practicing safe sex to minimize the risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Safe sex means to use protection such as the wearing of condoms and knowing the sexual history of your partner before engaging in a sex activity, said DOH Undersecretary and Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire. “Most common cause ng HIV sa ating bansa (of HIV in our country) or even around the world is unsafe sex,” said Vergeire on Tuesday, March 14. “So, kapag sinabi nating unsafe sex ang ating (when we say unsafe sex, our) preventive measure is to always have safe sex,” she added. Vergeire made the reminder after [1,454 HIV cases were recorded in January, of which, 86 cases involved individuals aged 19 and below.](https://mb.com.ph/2023/3/12/doh-logs-nearly-1-500-hiv-cases-in-january)

Youth and social media


The use of social media has the ability to influence the youth to engage in risky behavior, said Vergeire. “Napansin din natin (We noticed that) among the young individuals who are practicing unsafe sex, they already have social media applications where they can meet and chat,” she said. “Ito na po yung ginagamit ng mga kabataan natin ngayon para sila ay magkaroon ng ganitong klaseng pagkikita at illicit behavior (This is what our young people are using currently to engage in this kind of meeting and illicit behavior),” she added. Aside from social media, Vergeire said that lack of awareness about HIV infection and peer pressure can also be attributed to the cases of HIV among adolescents and teenagers. The Health official advised parents to monitor the activities of their children and educate them about the possible adverse effects of engaging in risky behaviors.

Get tested


Meanwhile, it is also important to get tested for HIV, particularly for those who engaged in risky behavior, said Vergeire. Should a person get positive for HIV, treatment is available, said Vergeire. “Hindi na po death sentence ang HIV katulad nung araw na iniisip ng mga tao pag  nagka-HIV wala ng lunas (HIV is no longer a death sentence unlike before when people thought that there was no treatment for HIV),” she said. “Hindi kayo nagagamot pero yung gamot na iniinom nyo po can maintain and sustain your life and you will be productive hanggang sa matagal na matagal na panahon (There is no cure but there are medicines that can maintain and sustain your life and you will be productive for a long time),” she added.

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Department of Health (DOH) HIV treatment
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