“SAFE IS GOOD, SAFE IS FUN”: HIV AWARENESS

Andrea Apit, Princess Concrenio, James Danio, & Chrishelle Tamual

December 17, 2023

Mark Palileo, Site Implementation Officer of the G Crib Community Center

Everyone shouldn’t be afraid of HIV; it's not a terrifying ghost.

It is the outcome of a lack of knowledge and understanding of the disease. By promoting correct information and encouraging safe habits, we can enable people to care for themselves and lessen the stigma associated with HIV.

In Region 3, Bulacan is now the region with the greatest number of HIV cases from 1984 up to present time. This calls for action rather than panic. In order to solve the issue, the community should invest enough time and resources in it. This includes putting in place thorough sex education programs and offering easily accessible medical treatment.

Age range of HIV cases in Bulacan in 2023. (Hover to see number of cases)

“It doesn’t mean na mataas yung cases natin; it means kawawa tayo," said G Crib Officer Mark Palileo, and highlighted that this is a result of a lack of awareness and education about HIV prevention, as well as the stigma surrounding the disease and sexual intercourse.

(It doesn't mean that our cases are high; [it means] we are unlucky)

Palileo points out that the younger population is being curious. Due to the fact that HIV doesn't often present itself right away, people may continue to have unprotected intercourse without realizing they are infected, which contributes to the issue. They are at a higher risk of engaging in risky sexual behaviors due to their curiosity and lack of knowledge.

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This particular type of virus targets the immune system, the body's natural line of defense against diseases. When the immune system is weakened by HIV, it becomes more susceptible to opportunistic infections and diseases, leading to the development of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

“HIV is transmitted in three methods,” Palileo says. The first transmission is having intercourse, which includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex. It can also be spread by exchanging syringes or needles with an infected individual. Lastly, HIV can also be transferred from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or childbirth.

However, informal handshakes, hugs, or the sharing of cutlery cannot spread HIV.

While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral drugs, or Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), can help control the virus and slow the progression of the disease. Preventive measures include practicing safe sex, using condoms consistently and correctly, and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pills for those at higher risk.

HIV is diagnosed through blood tests that detect the presence of HIV antibodies or the virus itself.

The most common carriers of HIV are men who have sex with men due to unprotected anal sex, which causes friction and immediate bleeding more than vaginal intercourse.

The first case of HIV was in 1984, a male who had sex with someone of the same gender, and the disease was diagnosed as a gay disease. This has caused homophobic stigma and discrimination against the virus. The virus was then introduced into the country by an OFW who carried it.

“Hindi naman ibig sabihin na may HIV ka, panlalaki o pang bakla na sakit ito. Pare-parehas tayong magkakaroon nito kung hindi tayo protektado or nakikipag-sex ng safe,” Palileo further explained.

(It does not mean that having HIV, it is a disease only of male or gay. We will all have it if we are not protected or have safe sex.)

In the 1990s, facilities started regular testing before blood donations to further study HIV. This realization helped dispel the notion that HIV was solely a "gay disease."

Be aware and be safe

The G Crib is a campaign of the World Health Organization (WHO) that aims to provide assistance and support to individuals in the country who are living with HIV.

Community centers, such as G Crib, offer free HIV tests and PrEP referrals to help individuals protect themselves from HIV. These centers also provide education and outreach programs to reduce the stigma surrounding the virus.

Here are the number of clients the G Crib takes. (Hover to see numbers)

G Crib takes 90–100 clients per month and 200–300 during outreach activities. Other facilities offering free tests take 150–200 clients per month.

Facilities and centers in Bulacan

Around 10 community centers and 12 treatment facilities are available in Bulacan to provide quick tests for HIV. They also promote awareness through programs such as 'Awra Safely,' which advocates for safe sex.

“There’s nothing wrong with sex”

It's a new generation now.

Whether a person prefers to have intercourse before or after marriage, the important point is to practice safe sex to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

“Sex is good, sex is fun. We just need to have a safe fun.” Palileo doesn’t discriminate against people, especially the young population, who are already exploring early sexual experiences. Through awareness-raising and education campaigns, these treatment facilities are contributing to the world's gradual shift toward a sex-positive culture.

The G Crib and other facilities are committed to preventing the transmission of HIV regardless of everyone's sexual preference. They believe in creating a safe and inclusive environment where all individuals can access the necessary resources and support.

You can contact the G Crib community on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/theGCribCBO), and through their email address (gcribcbo2023@gmail.com).