MALATE AND HIV

Last night, Friday, 11th December, 2009, marked the 5th night of our "MSM Outreach". And a familiar place in mind to fish out MSMs who are more than willing to be tested for HIV is the "MALATE AREA".

Most people might not be aware that they are already infected, and that they are prone to a more complicated situation... that is having the HIV infection, passing it to other uninfected individual thru casual unprotected or unsafe sexual practices, thru sharing injecing needles, thru sharing sex partners, or simply sharing somebody elses infection like gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, Hepatitis B, tuberculosis, pneumonia and other infections that maybe passed on thru sexual contact or thru casual contact. One-night-stand, a casual sex encounter commonly practiced in that area makes one vulnerable to contracting HIV or any Sexually Transmitted Infections. The project of my friend (I'd rather not mention his name since I haven't asked for a permission yet) becomes an alarming picture of the reality of the "nightlife" in the so called "MSM district of manila". As a volunteer member of the team, and as a member of the Social Hygiene Clinic of Manila, I see this as a positive intervention of creating awareness that indeed HIV is just around. Although it makes me so sad learning that a large portion of the MSM population in that area is already infected, it inspires me at the same time of planning for the next step on how to help halt the increasing number of infections. The Department of Health might have some more important programs to prioritize, but I, as a member of the MSM community, know that I can do something about the situation.

25 years ago, we were shocked by the news that HIV has already arrived to the Philippines. But it never came into our minds that today it will be a major issue that the Health Department has to face. What's so alarming about the situation? It is the domino effect of infection involving the younger population of our country, the youth who will be the adult population in the future, may no longer be able to see his own future. As I see it, MSMs in the malate area has been a "victim of ignorance" regarding the HIV situation in the country. Others don't care at all. But remember, lack of information leads everyone to danger.

Three months ago, The DOH-NEC led Integrated Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance was conducted nationwide and that includes the City of Manila. And the same area was one of our favorite sites to visit. The IHBSS has opened our eyes to the fact that indeed, the HIV epidemic is looming in the entertaiment districts of the Metro, As reported by no less than the secretary of Health, the prevalence in Manila (a newbie site for the IHBSS project) is 3.67% of the total MSM population, that is 11 HIV positive cases out of 300 who participated in the survey. The National Goal is to at least maintain a <1% prevalence among the most-at-risk population and that includes the youth, Men having sex with men (MSMs), Female Freelance Sex workers (FSWs), their clients, OFWs, their families, clients of Sex workers, etc.

Indeed, HIV is not just the DOH's concern. It's everyone's problem to face. If you love yourself or your family, or the people around you, Have yourself or have them tested. Nothing will determine the presence of the HIV infection unless somebody gets tested. It is the only tool to know your HIV status. Remember, an HIV positive person can be as Healthy-looking like us... sometimes they can even look better than most of us. An outstanding physical appearance does not guarantee us that somebody is HIV-free. Please do your share in keeping the number from rising... PLEASE repost this if you feel the urgency of the message. Thank you for your cooperation. Indeed, We can STOP HIV by working Hand in hand.

For FREE and CONFIDENTIAL HIV Rapid Testing; or if you have questions about HIV/AIDS and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections); or if you want yourself Scheduled for HIV Screening please feel free to contact:

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faceyourfearsandgettested@yahoo.com

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Thanks for viewing!

Aidan Chosen

AIDS Society of the Philippines

Online Peer Educator/Chat Manager/HIV Counselor
09164378396
09237018405
See you soon!
Ingat Lagi!