3 ambassadors kontra HIV/AIDS, kinoronahan
TATLONG tao, isang babae, lalaki, at transwoman—ang magiging bahagi ng kampanya ng pamahalaan para labanan ang human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) na nagdudulot ng acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) , matapos silang mapili bilang ambassadors ng LHIVE Free REDvocates Advocacy ng Department of Health (DoH) sa isang tri-pageant na idinaos sa SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex sa Pasay City, kamakailan.
Kabilang sa mga nagwagi sina Joseph Xavier Pili ng Naga City; Kelvin Kai Angala, ng San Pedro, 1st runner-up; at Jearu Ed Magbuhat, taga-Batangas, 2nd runner-up.
Wagi rin sina Patrixia Santos, ng Daraga, Albay; Shane Quintana Tormes, Rizal, 1st runner-up; at Precious Play Neyra, Isabela, 2nd runner-up.
Nanalo rin ang trans woman na si Pan Yang (Stefania Cruz Lopez), ng Rizal; Uly Galagnara, Santiago City, 1st runner-up; at Brigite Salvatore, Sulu, 2nd runner-up.
Sasamahan ng top three winners si dating Miss International Kylie Verzosa sa ilang serye ng aktibidad ng DoH upang alisin ang maling impormasyon at negatibong stigma na kakabit ng virus, gayundin ang pagaabot ng tulong sa mga indibidwal na apektado ng sakit.
“What we are trying to do here is bring the conversation about HIV and AIDS in the mainstream media; sort of putting it front and center, so that people who are at risk or already have the virus will not be afraid to seek for help,” pahayag ni Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.
“The winners will dedicate a significant amount of their time in helping spread awareness and debunk myths about HIV and AIDS, as well as promote safe sex. And we expect the winners to put the movement high in their priority list,” dagdag pa ni Duque.
Simula nang maitala ang unang kaso ng HIV infection sa Pilipinas noong 1984, nasa 56,275 ang nakumpirmang kaso ng HIV.