CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The National Youth Commission (NYC) expressed concern of the rise of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among young people saying it is rising ‘fast and furious.’
NYC Commissioner Perci Cendaña said, “We are very alarmed by the steady increase in HIV infection among young people. In the March 2014 AIDS Registry, 28% of new cases are from the 15 to 24 age group. Isa sa bawat apat na kaso ng HIV ay kabataan. (One out of four cases of HIV are from the youth.)”
According to Cendaña, “The risky behavior of young people is compounded by the lack of comprehensive information on HIV-AIDS, and the limited HIV counseling and services fuel the increase. Awareness is really low, studies reveal that a lot of young people, in this day and age, believe that there is a cure for AIDS.”
The NYC is pushing for comprehensive HIV-AIDS education for the Filipino youth. “The most effective way to reduce the risky behavior of the young is by providing them with the necessary information and guidance to help them make responsible actions and decisions,” Cendaña pointed out.
On the services side, the NYC is calling for “improved access to HIV counseling and services that are also youth-friendly, voluntary and confidential. We are also pushing for the amendment of the AIDS law to allow those below 18 years old to undergo HIV testing even without parental concern,” he explained.
The NYC is also very concerned on the proposal to make HIV tests mandatory. “We have expressed our reservation in a letter to the Department of Health. Making the tests mandatory may infringe on the right to privacy which is guaranteed by law and may lead to stigma and discrimination,” Commisioner Cendaña said.
