PWC students and staff attend HIV/AIDS Awareness Seminar

The PWC Health Center conducted an HIV/AIDS Awareness Seminar for personnel and college students last October 11, 2018 at the RSM Events Center.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Marites Buxani of the PWC Health Center stressed how amidst the common notion, HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence as there has been enormous progress in treatment given early detection.

Resource speaker Ms. Pricilla Madula-Senoc, Health Education and Promotion Officer III of the Davao City Health Office led the informative seminar promoting gender sensitivity and countering the negative notions on sex. According to her, the stigma and discrimination that society directs towards HIV/AIDS patients is among the major factors that hinder progress in addressing the health issue.

The seminar covered topics including HIV risks vulnerability, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), principles of HIV transmission, Acute Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and prevention.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system which functions to fight off diseases. Modes of HIV transmission include sex, blood, and pregnancy (mother to child). AIDS is the most severe stage of HIV infection in which the patient acquires multiple severe illnesses. Read about HIV/AIDS here

Senoc also elaborated on sexuality and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression (SOGIE) as a crucial subject in understanding HIV/AIDS. The session discussed the differences between gender identity, gender expression, biological sex, and sexual orientation and also important terms that should be understood and used appropriately.

Davao City recently dropped to number 6 in the latest HIV/AIDS registry of the Department of Health (DOH). With the city government remaining fervent in its efforts to reduce HIV cases, Senoc urges everyone to have themselves checked, assuring that the confidentiality and privacy of people living with HIV is protected by the law.

RCM