Dealing with STI or HIV/AIDS

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The report of the social hygiene clinic of the Dumaguete City Health Office stating that the number of sexually transmitted infections in the city has been increasing from the year 2005 to the third quarter of 2007, is alarming.

Known before as sexually transmitted diseases, or STD, health workers now prefer to call them sexually transmitted infections, or STI.

Records from the CHO show that diagnoses of cases of vaginitis secondary to trichomoniasis, candidiasis, gonorrhea and genital herpes continue to have a steady increase every year, as shown in those who went for regular check up or physical examinations.

However, the CHO has not determined yet, if the increase is due to an actual rise in the number of cases, or because an increased awareness about STI has motivated more people to go to the clinic for check-up.

The Silliman University Extension Program under Dr. Fe Sycip-Wale is implementing a three-year project. It has the same goal outlined in the medium term plan to maintain HIV prevalence by less than one percent and to lower STI prevalence by 10 percent.

To supplement this, we should offer a range of services such as medical consultations and counseling for people in prostitution, as well as pre-marriage counseling with emphasis on HIV/AIDS prevention.

These should be considered as positive developments, since it shows a more open and aggressive approach to this scourge that used to be ignored, or hidden by its victims because of shame or fear of being made outcasts of the community.

We must support these worthy projects aimed at arresting the increase of STI cases and possibly eradicating HIV/AIDS, not only in Dumaguete City but in Negros Oriental, and, hopefully, the whole country as well.

As the saying goes, health is wealth.*