Bong Go pushes for multi-faceted strategy to fight spread of HIV
Bong Go
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, expressed his concern over the reported alarming increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the Philippines, particularly among teenagers.
Responding to questions about the increasing HIV infections in an interview after aiding fire victims in Davao City on Friday, 17 November, Go emphasized the need for a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to tackle this growing health crisis.
"Unang-una, nakakabahala ito. Tumataas na naman ang bilang ng kaso ng HIV cases. Bilang chairman po ng Committee on Health ay tututukan natin ito," stated Go.
He highlighted the importance of educating the youth about sex, teenage pregnancy, illegal drugs, and alcoholism as a primary step in addressing this issue.
Go underscored the role of discipline and awareness in combating the spread of HIV.
"Disiplina talaga ang kailangan dito. Eto 'yung bagay na masyadong tinatago ng kahit sinuman. Importante dito 'yung education campaign… 'wag lang po basta-basta. Dapat multi-disciplinary ang ating approach dito," he added.
The senator pointed out the necessity of treating HIV as both a health and behavioral concern. He noted that Department of Health (DOH) programs, including hospitals and Regional Specialty Centers focusing on infectious diseases, play a crucial role.
Go also principally sponsored and is one of the authors of Republic Act No. 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which was signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 24 August.
The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. It stands as a testament to the commitment of the government to uplift the nation's health infrastructure.
"Matagal na po ito. Dito papasok ang mga programa ng DOH kasama na diyan ang ating mga hospitals, HIV-related katulad ng AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), kasama diyan ang mga Regional Specialty Centers, lalo na po 'yung mga infectious diseases sa mga specialty centers natin. Diyan po sila makakatulong," Go explained.