Local execs urged to lead awareness campaign vs AIDS

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo urged governors and mayors to lead and intensify promotion of the awareness on human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) as the nation observes World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.

Robredo said local chief executives play a significant role in the fight against HIV/AIDS, as they are in the forefront of promoting awareness and implementing LGU actions on HIV/AIDS.

“Considering that AIDS is a global problem that has affected many countries including the Philippines, it is imperative for our local officials to increase further their participation in the campaign by mobilizing their resources to prevent it and improve the impact of programs and services,” he said.

Robredo underscored the need for more LGU intervention, citing reports that as of this year only 41 LGUs have passed ordinances creating their local AIDS councils.

The DILG chief enjoined all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays nationwide to extend their full support for the celebration through activities that emphasize this year’s theme, “Getting to Zero.”

This year’s celebration will highlight a high-level plenary meeting to address the 2011 United Nations Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, and usher in the investment plan for the Fifth AIDS Medium Term Plan.

In a memorandum circular, Robredo called on all local chief executives to spearhead the conduct of activities that would promote this year’s celebration, by the symbolic wearing of red ribbon or any red-colored accessory to mark the occasion and unfurling of World AIDS Day streamers or posters in buildings or in public or private conveyances.

The memo also stated that LGUs should lead in the dissemination of information materials on HIV and AIDS prevention with emphasis on the LGU’s commitment or support to the effort to address HIV.

The National HIV/AIDS Registry showed that from January to September this year a total of 1,669 HIV cases were reported in the country, 1,549 of which are males and 120 are females.

The same report also revealed that of the 71 AIDS cases, 15 have already died.