No HIV-positive cases in Dagupan… so far
TEST results from 600 volunteers show no one was positive of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as of December 2009, according to Dr. Jocelyn Tongson, officer-in-charge of the Social Hygiene Clinic in Dagupan City
The free and voluntary testing, started four years ago, is conducted every December funded by the HIV AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Council as part of the World AIDS Day celebration.
No positive case has been recorded since the start of the annual testing in 2006.
“All negative so far but we should not be complacent,” Tongson said.
Tongson, also the Pangasinan Coordinator for Sexually Transmitted Infections-HIV/AIDS under the Center for Health Development for the Ilocos region under the Department of Health, said 90 percent of those tested were working in night pubs as guest relations officers (GROs), considered as the high risk group.
The youngest who was tested was 18 years old while the oldest was 45.
National data show an increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in the country. In the Ilocos Region, 104 HIV positive patients were recorded from January 1984 to year 2009.
“The number of patients found positive of HIV nationwide is increasing every year which is alarming,” she said.
Her office distributes free condoms to floor managers of the nightclubs, which are also required to have an “information education corner” (IEC) within the establishment.
The condoms and information materials on sexually-transmitted infections (STI)-HIV/AIDS are displayed at the IEC.
GROs in Dagupan are also asked to attend a seminar on STIs and AIDS. Even as they undergo a weekly screening test for STI and other reproductive tract infection. The screening test is a required by a city ordinance and the national law on Sanitation Code.
Tongson reiterated the advice to practice the ABCDE to avoid HIV affliction: Abstinence from sex, Be faithful, Correct and consistent use of condoms, Do not use injecting drugs, and Education and early detection and treatment.#
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