By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – Multi-media
professionals play a vital role in
diminishing the stigma and discrimination suffered by young people who are
affected with Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) particularly Human Immunodeficiency
Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS).
This was declared by Claire Jose , DOH-CHD9
regional program coordinator for blood, HIV and AIDS programs during the one-day
orientation among multi-media professionals at
Hotel Guillermo over the weekend.
According to Jose, since the 1980’s, young people
who are bi-sexual , gay, sex workers, and transgender mostly affected by the
disease suffered denial, stigma and discrimination in the community. “In some cases, they are rejected by their
loved ones, the communities where they live, unfairly treated in the workplace,
and even worst, denied access to education and other health services,” Jose
added.
Jose said because of discrimination, people are
afraid to disclose their condition
in society making the management of the disease very difficult.
“They go underground and never seek for professional
health service in social hygiene clinics
until their symptoms have become serious because they are afraid their situation will be publicized,” Jose
explained.
She said the government and stakeholders should
develop strategies in addressing stigma for HIV-AIDS prevention on the
marginalized group. Gender issues and stigma reduction should always be in
every aspect of education and policy programs.
With the help of multi-media professionals, Jose said
she is confident that patients infected with HIV will no longer suffer this
unpleasant experience but instead, they will cooperate with health
experts.
The activity was conducted in key cities of the Zamboanga Peninsula
region. (PIA9)