It’s been 3 years already since I start talking about HIV/AIDS awareness my blog. It all started when a friend who was infected with the virus agreed to feature him here. We talk about how he got infected, the challenges he currently facing including the acceptance from his family, friends, society and even himself. HIV/AIDS may not be a trending topic on social media but it is one of the concerns that everyone should know and taking part of the prevention. Everyone is vulnerable with the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), no matter what is the color of your skin, language you speak, gender and age and even social status. As of June 2011 alone there are 178 new cases here in the Philippines, while measuring from January to June of this year the number of new cases goes up 1016. With that new numbers it adds up to the total of 7031 reported cases in the country since 1984 up to present. But the sad part is with the stigma of having the virus and the issue of not having tested and being informed the number of cases may be bigger and what was reported.
With that statistics, it shows that there are possibilities of 6 new cases per day and 94% of the total population of people with HIV is all male ranging from 15-58 years old. Majority of them are those having unsafe contact with the same gender or male having sex with male. Aside from unsafe sexual intercourse, the virus can be transmitted from blood transfusion from the person who is infected to other person, and body fluid such as milk from infected mother to her new born. But of course sharing public toilet, handshake or rubbing of skin in tight areas doesn’t transmit the virus and all of it is a myth for the information of all.
UNAIDS, a United Nation organization that focus on the awareness and combat of HIV/AIDS in the world launches the campaign #STOPHIV, encouraging everyone to take part on this advocacy to stop the spread of the virus and bring awareness to all. Here in the Philippines, a good of friend of mine who is a visionary and advocate like me introduces the campaign The Red Whistle. Niccolo Cosme along with the rest of the advocates coming from different organizations symbolically uses a red whistle that everyone can wear as necklace and calls for the stop of spreading the said virus. Red is the universal color for HIV/AIDS which everyone use on December 1 as red ribbon for the International World AIDS’ Day, and whistle which usually use for getting the attention of everyone to stop what they are doing. There are several personalities, advocates and even bloggers takes part of this campaign. Niccolo also conducted a Headshot Clinic at the Blackbird Restaurant in Kamagong Street in Makati City where it was also the sponsor of the venue and food for the participants of the meet up for The Red Whistle. The HSC is a symbolical pledge of everyone that they are joining the fight against the spread of virus. As far as I remember I already had my third HSC focusing on HIV/AIDS alone.
On August 31, there will be a fund raising event at the 7th High, Bonifacio Hight Street in Taguig City tagged as RED ALERT! The Red Whistle Campaign Charity Auction. Funds gathered will be used for the information drive of The Red Whistle in promoting awareness on HIV/AIDS in all parts of the country and also for the Take The Test project that will give free HIV/AIDS testing in different areas. For more information and updates visit http://www.facebook.com/TheRedWhistle and follow their twitter account @TheRedWhistle. Let’s fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, like what I always says bawal ang dedma, be part of this campaign blow that red whistle harder so everyone will know so that there will be no more HIV/AIDS related deaths.
For those who wanted to undergo HIV/AIDS testing they can contact Take The Test just call or text +63917-58-HIVRT (+63917-58-448-78) for the scheduling of testing. It is very important undergo testing, it will help you to be aware of what you should not do next time and be responsible and if ever you will know how to take care of yourself.
