HIV Cases among Filipino Teenagers

Based from the study of UNICEF, the Philippines is one of the seven countries that have seen an increase in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases which now involve people as young as 15. It also revealed that a third of all new infections occur in young people belonging to the 15 to 24 age bracket – a 10-fold increase from 41 in 2007 to 489 in 2010. Misconceptions on the disease in the country is literally widespread despite of public’s high awareness such as beliefs on antibiotics, prayer and keeping fit are great armors for the disease. We cannot also deny the great influence of the Catholic Church specifically on the use of birth control pills and contraceptives. Sky rocketing HIV cases in the country can be tamed through government’s investment on programs educating the public. Let us not be blinded by criticisms from ultra rightist groups yet we need to promote more for the decrease of the issue, may all sectors of society commit to saving the youth, the populace and the nation as a whole.