The Department of Health yesterday recommended the reactivation of the Local Health Board in Bacolod City to help in the prevention and control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Representatives of the DOH and Department of Interior and Local Government yesterday met with Bacolod City Health officials and Acting Mayor Renecito Novero to inform them of the reported increase in STD cases in the city. The group, however, did not provide figures to substantiate their claims.

DOH representative Dr. Ernesto Villalon yesterday said "the increase is not alarming but it's a wake-up call for everybody not to be complacent."

He said the DOH, DILG and National AIDS Council are helping set-up mechanisms to help control the spread of STD and HIV.

The DOH representatives recommended that people should be educated on how to protect themselves from HIV transmission and to minimize risky behaviors.

The group held an orientation with the CHO doctors and the managers and owners of night spots in the city Tuesday.

Acting Bacolod Mayor Renecito Novero said he will discuss the reported increase in STS cases with Mayor Evelio Leonardia when he returns from the United States. He will also take up the matter with the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod for possible legislative remedies, he said, adding that there is a need to reactivate the Local Health Board.

He said he had received information that those reported to have STD are not necessarily residents of Bacolod.*CGS

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