Government urged to declare “National emergency” on HIV spread

Alarmed by the increased prevalence of the cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the Philippines, Senator Risa Hontiveros demanded the government to declare “national emergency” over its spread.

The Philippines has been recorded to have the fastest-growing HIV cases among countries in the Asia Pacific Region.

Hontiveros said that the government should concentrate and put extra importance on this issue as HIV is “a life and death matter”.

Most of the new HIV cases are from ages ranging from 15 to 24 which she sees to be the result of a lack of proper education on sexuality and safe sex.

Considering the spiteful judgments received by those with HIV, the senator said that the government should also look into matters addressing the fact that they can still “live with dignity and without fear of stigma and discrimination.

(DAILY NEWS ROUND UP FOR 08/ 02 / 17)