ORMOC CITY- In the wake of reported increase of sexually transmitted infection (STI) affecting young people of this city, the Local Aids Council (LAC) is now being activated in all the villages of this city. Cases of STI have been monitored to be afflicted teenagers in the city, alarming health officials. STI cases have also been noted to increase among so-called freelance and young commercial sex workers, reason why the spread of the disease has increase. If untreated, this infection may develop to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), precursor of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), said Ma. Lily Flores, LAC coordinator. “The victims are getting younger that is why we appeal to village officials to encourage these teenagers to submit for hygiene at City Health Office,” Flores said. The health official, however, did not cite any figure as to how many teenagers or commercial sex workers in the city have been inflicted with STI. The council tapped the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) through Liga ng mga Barangay hoping people in the communities will become responsive to this appeal. Flores expects that through concerted efforts, fear of possible runway cases of STI or sexually transmitted diseases could be stopped, if not avoided. The city joins the commemoration of World Aids Day on December 1 with a week-long activity has been prepared including lecture/symposium that is integrated with values formation to students.
It will start with a motorcade around the city that will be participated by local “workers” from various establishments, counseling during hygiene and poster-making contest. The theme: “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free generation” fits the current situation that following the aftermath of typhoon “Yolanda”, the people fought to restore what were lost. (ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
