A coalition of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations in Davao are ramping up its efforts to help address the growing number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases in the city.
LGBT Davao, composed of about 30 LGBT-member groups, is now conducting an aggressive information and education campaign among private and public schools across the city to educate students, teachers and parents on HIV/AIDS related issues.
“We always partner with Ateneo Public Interest and Legal Advocacy (APILA), RHWC- Reproductive Health and Wellness Center, Save the Children Davao, Department of Health (DOH) 11, and Amnesty International,” said Oscar Obenza Jr., chairperson of LGBT Davao.
According to Obenza, his organization plans to establish more LGBT groups at the barangay level and schools, explaining these groups would be crucial in promoting HIV/AIDS awareness in the community.
“We also want to include the topic of HIV and AIDS with Biology class in colleges to reach more individuals,” said Obenza.
He said the DOH 11, City Government of Davao, RHWC, CSSDO, Amnesty International and APILA, have been very supportive in implementing programs for the LGBT community which include free trainings and symposiums on HIV/AIDS concerns.
“The AIDS ordinance of Davao city is also the best example of the local response on HIV and AIDS,” Obenza noted.
With the help of its various partner agencies, he said LGBT Davao will be conducting free HIV testing in schools and other government agencies.
Obenza added LGBT Davao will continue to spearhead programs and activities in its fight against the HIV/AIDS such as the Candlelight Memorial held every May and Worlds AIDS Day which is commemorated every Dec. 1.
 Edge earlier reported that out of the 234 reported cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) cases recorded in Davao City this year, seven of the patients have already passed away.
Data from the Department of Health’s (DOH) Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) show that among the patients who have been found HIV positive from January to June this year, 223 are male and 11 female.
The patients’ ages ranged from 14 to 48 years old and come from various sectors of the community.
According to the RHWC, the easier access to sexual services, unsafe sexual practices, and the carefree attitude of the younger generation are among the main reasons for the rising number of HIV-AIDS cases in Mindanao and across the country.
