Taking the test: A forum on HIV/AIDS

           

Ang paglalantad 3.0 speakers (From Left to Right): Mr. Ryan from take the test, Mr. Jeffrey Acaba from Achieve, Dr. Eric Tayag from DOH and the organizers of the event

      Last December 3, a forum (Ang paglalantad 3.0) was held in College of Mass Communication in line with the celebration of the World HIV/AIDS Awareness day. The said forum talked about the current status of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines and at the same time, reminded everyone about the importance of safe sex between couples and students, especially among the youth. They were also encouraging us to take the test which was conducted last Friday (December 6) at the UP Health Center.

     It was good that they were able to get good speakers for this topic, especially Dr. Eric Tayag, the assistant secretary of the Department of Health. He presented the results of the Department’s research regarding HIV and AIDS (using graphs and models, to make it easier for the audience to digest everything he talks about) and also discussed an in depth details on how HIV develops into AIDS and how it can be transferred from one person to another. According to his presentation, high rates of people infected with HIV/AIDS were mostly males and it is usually contracted from male to male intercourse (according to the research they conducted). He also answered every question asked to him by the participants in the said forum.

     The two other speakers, Mr. Ryan of take the test and Mr. Jeffrey Acaba of Action for Health Initiatives (Achieve) also presented their advocacies which involve helping the persons affected with HIV and AIDS to take their medication and also counseling. They also encouraged us not to be afraid to take the test in order for us to know our own status and to also help in disseminating the right information regarding HIV and AIDS.

      It’s good to hear that these people take account the role that culture plays in the improvement of the policies and health programs that they offer to the people affected with HIV and AIDS. Dr. Tayag, who comes from a very scientific discipline, knows well on how to strike the balance between science and culture. Dr. Tayag even mentioned how he appropriates his language use (Filipino and English) based on his audiences. He also talked about how the Department of Health tries to improve policies and at the same time, help these people for their medication.

            

     After attending the said forum, my knowledge regarding the issue became broader because of the things that the speakers had discussed. Knowing the causes and the current status of HIV/AIDS contributes to formulating campaigns that are culturally sensitive and at the same time, very persuading for the people, especially the youth nowadays. The importance of safe sex and also loyalty in a relationship is a key in order to prevent an individual in getting this. The use also of condoms during sexual intercourse plays a big role in reducing the risk of getting HIV. Most of these are available in the market, but the problem comes in because most of them didn't know how to use it. If the youth will be educated on how to use this properly, then it will be a big help in reducing the number of people with HIV/AIDS. The last thing I learned in the forum is not to be afraid. It’s time to face the issue regarding HIV/AIDS in order for us to take action in it. It is important to be aware. Being aware starts by being knowledgeable about the things happening in our society. Taking the test doesn't make an individual who is sexually active less of a person. It only shows how he/she really loves her partner and how he/she wants to protect him/herself in this virus.

Blogpost by: Hiedi Martinez
Photos courtesy of : Benson Lagason