HEALTH experts remain positive the distribution of condoms in schools will help lessen the rising cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV-Aids), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD), and teenage pregnancy in the Cordillera region.
Nurse Geeny Anne Austria from the Infectious Diseases Cluster of Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center said this is in line with the early pronouncement of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Ubial to reach the youth in schools.
“As far as the giving of condoms to schools, marami pang pag-uusapan diyan (there will be several discussions). Ang pamimigay ng condom (The distribution of condoms), it is just starting pero wala pa kaming guidelines (but we still don’t have guidelines). It is in coordination sa Dep-Ed (Department of Education) at sa mga schools (and the schools),” Austria said.
Austria said youth aged 15 to 25 who have HIV-Aids and STD as well as teen moms are increasing which is the age trend now compared five years before which is aged 25 to 34. She believes most 15 to 25 year olds have already engaged in sexual activities.
“Dapat ma-strengthen ang pag-uusap ng school, parents and teachers. Dapat nag-start sa home ang education. Provided na na-orient yung bata at parents na tutulong sa pag-intindi (The discussion between the school, parents, and teachers should be strengthened. Education should start at home. Provided that the children are oriented and the parents who will help with the explanation),” Austria explained in planned of distribution of condoms.
Austria added there should be orientations regarding the importance of condoms as a protection against HIV-Aids and STD as well as preventing pregnancy before it will be distributed to students in schools.
“Hindi ito kaagad gagamitin ng bata (The children wouldn’t be using it) as protection as early as now and dapat alam nila yung gamit, yun ang importante. Dapat prene-prepare natin ang ating sarili (they should know how to use it, that’s important. We should be prepared),” Austria added.
The DOH continues its programs against HIV-Aids and STD.
Currently, DOH has also sufficient anti-retroviral drugs in the country.