Memorial tries to cast light on HIV, which is rising in Cebu City
Memorial tries to cast light on HIV, which is rising in Cebu City
HE CRIED for days when he tested positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) last December.
“I felt hopeless,” said 19-year-old RG (real name withheld). “It’s like I’m one step closer to death.”
He got the virus as a commercial sex worker, which he resorted to for college payments. Last January, he accepted a job in a non-government organization that advocates HIV awareness.
“I realized I can still work, not only for myself, but for my family. There’s still life beyond HIV,” he said.
Yesterday, he was busy running errands during the 30th International Aids Candlelight Memorial in Cebu City’s Fuente Osmeña Circle.
The activity, held every third Sunday of May in more than 100 countries, com- memorates people who died because of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (Aids).
The Cebu Plus Association Inc., where RG works, spearheaded this year’s candle-lighting.
“In this activity, we commemorate those who passed away because of HIV and give hope to those who are still alive,” said Jerson See, founder and president of the foundation.
The activity also aims to raise awareness on HIV, he said. “A lot of people are still ignorant. People living with HIV are still stigmatized and discriminated,” he said.
There are 668 persons with HIV in Cebu City, said Dr. Ilya Tac-an of the Cebu City Health Department.
“HIV cases in Cebu City have been increasing since 2010,” she said.
From 1989 to 2009, the City recorded 95 cases. It registered 177 cases in 2010, 144 in 2011, and 188 last year.
As of April this year, 60 persons tested positive. Tacan said 75 percent of the people who tested positive are injecting drug users.
Higher
From 2010 to 2012, the health department recorded 20 deaths. But Tacan said the actual number may be higher, since not all deaths caused by HIV are reported to the department.
Yesterday’s activity started with a parade from the Fuente Osmeña Circle to the Cebu Provincial Capitol and back at 3:30 p.m.
Each of the participating organizations designed a quilt as a symbol of their commitment to the cause.
Tac-an said the activity provided a venue for various government agencies and people’s organization to renew their commitment to fight the spread of HIV.
The Cebu City MultiSectoral AIDS Council was formed to intensify the campaign. It is composed of various stakeholders, including government agencies and people’s organization.
Zero cases
“Our goal is zero new cases,” Tac-an said.
The stigma toward persons with HIV has led many to forego HIV tests, said See.
“Having an HIV test is not being doubtful about yourself, but being responsible,” he said.
Early detection is important, especially since there is available treatment that can prolong the lives of persons with HIV, Tac-an said.
The treatment is provided for free at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.
Because of the intensified campaign against HIV, more people now undergo tests, said Tac-an. Last year, almost 1,000 underwent the test.
As of April this year, 700 persons availed of the free testing at the health department.
RG said he hopes more people will treat persons with HIV with open minds. One of the greatest challenges for a person with HIV, he said, is how to gain acceptance.
Five months have passed since he learned he has HIV, but RG has yet to find the courage to tell his parents.
“My greatest fear is that my family might abandon me,” he said, holding back tears.