Palma urges flock: Be aware, be responsible towards HIV

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma reminded the public to be mindful of their decisions and actions as well as to be conscious of the possible consequences, if they indulge in activities where one can contract an illness that has no cure as of yet.

He gave this statement after health and sanitation issues surfaced at both the Cebu City and provincial jails where cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among prisoners have increased significantly over time.

Palma, however, entrusted to officials the responsibility in dealing with these concerns and finding suitable interventions to address them.

“Individually, we should be aware of the consequences of our actions.  Secondly, we trust our authorities to make every move so that these incidences will be given the appropriate solution,” the 67-year-old prelate said in an interview after the Palm Sunday Mass he presided over yesterday morning at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Since not all cases may be accounted for, he said there is a need for jail managers to intensify the awareness programs so that prisoners will not fear on getting their selves tested, considering that HIV testing services can only be availed by the person voluntarily.

Palma added that this information drive can also be done outside jail facilities wherein individuals or entities have to push for initiatives that will make people aware of the “realities" of HIV and on the ways on how to prevent this illness.

He said people should know of its implications and its effects to their lives because having a better knowledge and perception about this matter will lead them to making well-informed decisions.

The Cebu archdiocese, for its part, has been facilitating education campaigns about HIV since this has been a significant public health issue.

He said there had been series of seminars and talks in the previous years that focus on the issue of HIV and its current state.

Recently, the Cebu Caritas, Inc., in collaboration with the Philippine Catholic HIV-AIDS Network-Cebu, conducted a consultative forum on HIV in a gathering in Cebu City that was attended by youth groups, lay members, religious, and the clergy.

Palma said he is also open to linking with other agencies or offices in further strengthening its advocacy and programs that aim to reduce cases of HIV infection.

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system; the most advanced stage of HIV infection is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

According to the World Health Organization, there is no cure for HIV infection yet, however, antiretroviral drugs can control the virus and help prevent transmission. —/GAN (FREEMAN)