By: Sheila Covarrubias
ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 18, (PIA) - - Multi-sectoral
groups in the city on Wednesday bonded together to affirm anew their united
stand against HIV-AIDS, as they joined the International AIDS Candlelight
Memorial in memory of those who died of the dreaded disease.
Mayor
Celso Lobregat and City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos, chairman and chief
executive officer respectively of the Zamboanga City Multisectoral AIDS Council
(ZCMSAC) spearheaded the event which kicked off with a walk from the Joaquin
Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Baliwasan to the boulevard where a brief
program capped by the lighting of candles and the release of raft and sky
lanterns.
Mayor
Lobregat in his message reiterated the City’s all out efforts against HIV-AIDS
through the different measures being undertaken to prevent and control the
spread of the disease.
The
chief executive led in the lighting of the candles and the release of the raft
on sea symbolizing Zamboanga’s sympathy and continuous campaign to stop the
spread of HIV-AIDS. He likewise thanked the different sectors for actively
participating in the activity as well as supporting the City’s efforts against
the disease.
Dr.
Agbulos said worldwide there are about 33 million people infected with
HIV-AIDS. Of the total number 25 million died of AIDS.
In
the Philippines, a total of 9,163 cases of HIV-AIDS have been reported from
1984 to March 2012. Of the total number, 84% are males and 91% have acquired
the disease through sexual transmission.
89% of the Philippine figure is asymptomatic, meaning, people are found
positive of the virus but do not show signs or symptoms.
Based
on records, Dr. Agbulos said, the Philippines registered the highest number of
cases in the month of March 2012—thge highest so far in the history of the
Philippines registry on HIV-AIDS with 313 cases only for the month of March.
Zamboanga
City, according to Dr. Agbulos, is not exempted from the disease, as he
reported a total of 44 cases, of which 11 died from 1995 to March 2012. Of the
total 44 cases, 36 are males and 8 females.
23
of the victims are overseas Filipino workers, Agbulos said. “We are very close
to a country that has high registry of HIV-AIDS, which is Malaysia”. Of the total
23 OFW HIV-AIDS victims, 16 came from Malaysia.
What
is also very notable is the fact that a number of the victims are young
students, Agbulos added. “This is the reason why we are tapping the youth
sector to help us in our advocacy”.
The
International AIDS Candlelight memorial started in 1983 and is originally held every third Sunday of
May. It is the aim of the activity “to honor, support, and advocate for those
who have been affected by the global HIV epidemic through mobilizing
communities for a world where people do not die of AIDS and people living with
HIV can live in health and with dignity.” (JPA/SC/CIO/PIA9-ZBST)