DAVAO CITY – The city government will conduct a series of activities for World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, aiming to eliminate the stigma and raise awareness about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
In an interview on Tuesday, Michael Mahinay, a member of the Davao City AIDS Council and executive director of ALAGAD-Mindanao, said the number of HIV cases in the city is on the rise.
Latest data show that the city has about 4,513 HIV-infected individuals.
“It is important that we properly implement the programs on HIV,” Mahinay said.
Among the Davao City AIDS Council's activities to mark World AIDS Day is the “Red March” parade to be led by council members and 70 organizations from the LGBT coalition.
There will also be HIV testing at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) building on Dec. 1, according to Oscar Obenza Jr., chair of the Olympus Society of Davao, Inc. and organizer of the activities.
“It is a promotion, public advocacy, and statement that it is not only the government that is committed to fighting HIV and AIDS. We are also advocating for more people to join and support the fight,” he said. (PNA)
