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HIV infections rising steadily among Filipino youth



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MANILA: HIV infections are rising steadily among the Filipino youth and experts say this is the result of engaging in risky sexual behaviours.

In 2010, there were 489 cases of young Filipinos between 15 and 24 years old that got infected with HIV compared to 41 cases in 2007.

A Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study conducted by the state university's population institute in 2002 revealed that though 95 per cent of young adults have heard of HIV and AIDS, 73 per cent believe they are immune to the virus.

And with 23 per cent of Filipino youth engaging in premarital sex, experts say young Filipinos have a higher chance of acquiring the disease.

Dr. Diana Mendoza, who is from the Manila Social Hygiene Clinic, said: "It's really very alarming because aside from the sex act that is unprotected, they also engage in group sex wherein they take drugs and alcohol. This is the problem. When you take drugs or is under the influence of alcohol, even though you know that you have to use protection like condom, you lose your better judgement."

Last year, the education department launched a campaign to include sex education in primary and high schools.

However, the influential Catholic Church's opposition to it halted the project.

Youth non-government organizations though continue to go around different schools and communities, to help spread awareness on HIV and AIDS.

Ramel Cerantes, who is from the Baluti - Young People Who Avoid Infection group, said: "We promote condom use with limitations. If we know that the peer that we are talking to is really sexually active, we give them condoms or we promote condom use to them."

A controversial Reproductive Health Bill that will include sex education and HIV and AIDS awareness has now been included in the priority bills that President Benigno Aquino wants Congress to pass this year.

Advocates believe that this will be the crucial strategy to curb the alarming spread of HIV and AIDS among the Filipino youth and encourage them to protect themselves against HIV and AIDS.

- CNA/fa