 |
| PIA DG Ramon Lee Cualoping III and Asec. Beverly Ho lead the AIDS Candlelight Memorial along with other PIA officials. (Photo by Gelaine Gutierrez, PIA-NCR) |
by: Susan G. de Leon
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) –To heighten awareness and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus –acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV AIDS), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH) and in coordination with the Project Red Ribbon launched an awareness campaign on Monday at PIA Central Office in Quezon City.
Director General Ramon Lee Cualoping III underscored the role of PIA in developmental communication which is undoubtedly relevant in informing and educating the public in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
DOH Asec. Dr. Beverly, a public health expert, said it is important to educate people about HIV/AIDS while also accepting the fact that changing deep-seated belief and attitudes can be very challenging.
The DOH official acknowledged PIA’s role as lead disseminator of timely and relevant information which are vital in the HIV/AIDS campaign.
The launch was also attended by Mr. Ico Rodulfo Johnson, President, Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation, Inc.
Johnson led the candle lighting ceremony ahead of the designated International AIDS Candlelight Memorial which will be conducted on May 21.
He was joined by DG Ramon Lee Cualoping III other PIA and DOH officials during the candle lighting ceremony.
According to Johnson, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is being held in remembrance of those who have died of AIDS and honoring the people who have dedicated their lives to helping those living with and affected by HIV.
Various services were also conducted for PIA employees such HIV screening, distribution of condoms and lubricants.
A self-test kits were also provided with assistance from Project Red Ribbon on how to properly use them.
Lastly, an orientation on HIV AIDS was also conducted at the PIA Auditorium with Dr. Roland Sardan of the DOH-Disease Prevention and Control Bureau discoing HIV and AIDS 101.
Sardan said, a person who has tested positive for HIV should immediately seek medical attention. He or she should show up for routine checkups, take the medications exactly as prescribed, and take all precautions to prevent passing the virus on to others.
Johnson of Project Red Ribbon gave a lecture on ‘Confidentiality in the workplace, reduction of, or elimination of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV (PLHIV).
To know more of the facts straight from the ones who got disease, representative from the PLHIV community was invited to share his testimonials.
PIA is a member of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) along with other nine government agencies task to review and recommend policies on HIV/AIDS in the country. (pia-ncr)
0 Comments