DOH launches 3-way pageant vs HIV

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday launched a three-way pageant aimed at finding advocacy ambassadors who will communicate correct information about HIV/AIDS in behalf of the agency.

Dubbed “Lhive Free: Redvocates,” the pageant is a P15-million innovative campaign to curb the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS in the country.

According to Gerald Belimac, DOH Philippine National AIDS Council program manager, a three-way pageant means there will be three categories: for men, women and transgender aged between 20 and 26, and with good communication skills.

Aside from a cash prize of P100,000, the winners from each category will also promote safe sex vis-à-vis raising awareness on HIV/AIDS.

Belimac said the government developed the new campaign as HIV/AIDS continues to spread among Filipinos, especially the youth.

“With the new campaign, we hope to provide the right information to young people and encourage those infected to come out and seek treatment,” Belimac said.

For the last 10 years, Belimac said the daily average of new HIV cases in the country has grown from one to 31.

Belimac further noted that UNAIDS data showed that the Philippines has the highest infection growth rate in the Asia Pacific and there is no sign of decline.

The incidence of HIV/AIDS continues to increase at an alarming rate, he said, despite the government’s intensified anti-HIV/AIDS campaign.

“We do not discriminate, anybody can join even people with HIV as long they are committed to help the DOH campaign,” Belimac said.

Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza has agreed to become one of the anti-AIDS advocates and will be joining the government’s nationwide campaign.

“It is  important for someone who has the opportunity to lead and serve to become a voice to a campaign to bring awareness to the people,” said Versoza, who attended the program launch in Quezon City.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III expressed hope that with the new approach and the help of Versoza, the DOH will be able provide sufficient and right information as well as address the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.