Capitol interns join HIV awareness gab Anna Liz Cabrido/SCPIO

SOUTH COTABATO The student interns of the Provincial Capitol joined the open discussion on the awareness of Human Immuno Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome or HIV/ Aids before the 20-day Special Program for the Employment of Students started this summer.

John Codilla, Infectious Disease Program Coordinator, said SPES beneficiaries, whose age ranged from 1720 years old, are most likely to engage in premarital sex according to study.

“This is a perfect avenue for us to tell the youth the truth and the myths behind HIV and Aids,” Codilla said.

At least 160 students participated in the open discussion held at the Capitol recently.

The record showed eight high school students were inflicted with HIV last year, pushing the Provincial Government to increase the creativity in the information dissemination about the HIV/Aids epidemic.

HIV is most often spread through sexual contact, which left untreated can lead to Aids. A positive diagnosis of HIV means an individual is a carrier of the virus.

“We will save our teenagers from the risk of HIV and Aids by providing them the right information,” Codilla said.

The national data revealed teenagers lacked information about HIV/ Aids and the absence of a comprehensive sexual health education.

The risky sexual behavior with younger adults is one root causes for this aspect of the HIV issue, Codilla added.