The Bacolod City Health Office will conduct a massive campaign against the possible spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in the city starting this year, Dr. Babylin Drilon, CHO Social Hygiene Clinic head, said yesterday. 

Drilon said of the 19 persons infected with the disease in Negros Occidental, nine are from Bacolod. She said the city is now working on a strategic plan against AIDS covering 2008 until 2013.

AIDS is caused by a virus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The disease is “growing and hidden” since it is not being reported because there is a stigma attached to it and the victim fears being discriminated, Drilon said.

She said 87 percent of AIDS/HIV is transmitted through sexual contact, others through blood transfusion.

Drilon said the victims are between the ages of 15 and 29 years old. She said some of the victims are professionals or wives of seafarers, while others have a history of multiple sexual partners.

She said the CHO provides free HIV testing and assured those who will be tested that their names will be kept confidential. The medicine for the treatment of AIDS/HIV is expensive but it is being provided for free by the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital through the Tropical Disease Foundation, she added.

Drilon said the Social Hygiene Clinic has started conducting lectures on HIV in the different schools in the city since last year. They are also requesting the barangay captains to report HIV cases in their barangays, she said.

Executive Assistant Butch Ebreo said among the steps being taken by the city is the implementation of the Curfew for Minors from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., and the campaign against establishments serving liquors to minors.

The city is also implementing sports activities to encourage the youth to use their time more productively, Ebreo said. Parents should also monitor their children’s activities especially after classes, he added.

Meanwhile, Drilon said the CHO conducted a bloodletting and medical mission Saturday in Brgy. Villamonte in partnership with the Kiwanis Club-Metro Bacolod, Knights of Columbus, the Villamonte Initiative Group, and Volunteer Youth Brigade.

They collected 16,000 cc of blood from 32 blood donors, she said.

Bloodletting activities will also be conducted in barangays Taculing on March 4, Alangilan – March 8, Vista Alegre and Granada – March 9, Felisa – March 16, and Estefania – March 29. 

The weekly bloodletting activities being conducted by the city is mandated by R.A. 7719, or the National Blood Service Act of 1994, to promote blood donations to ensure adequate supply of safe blood, Drilon said.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia had issued Executive Order No. 18, Series of 2005, establishing the Bacolod City Blood-Letting Program Secretariat, where he sits as chairperson, she said.

Drilon said the barangay captains in the 61 barangays are being urged to encourage their constituents to participate in the bloodletting activity of the city so they can have ready supply of blood.

Donors will be issued cards so they can easily avail of the blood supply when needed, she said. Those who have no cards can also avail provided they replace the blood supply they have borrowed, she added.

The donated blood are being deposited at the CLMMRH blood bank for the residents of Bacolod City, Drilon said.*CGS

back to top

Water line in
Murcia turned over

Mayor Esteban Coscolluela yesterday turned over a water line at a ceremonial switch-on ceremony of the Murcia Water District in Murcia, Negros Occidental, a press release from the town said.

The town’s spring source in Brgy. Alegria can supply three times more of the present total households Murcia, and this will prevent shortage in water supply, the press release said.

The old municipal water system that served the town for sometime will now cease its service.

Present at the turnover were the MWD board of directors, municipal officials and employees, Joselito Villaroman of the Local Water Utilities Administration, among others, the press release added.*

back to top