DOH-11 To Implement Distribution of Condoms in Schools in Davao Region

The Department of Health Region 11 (DoH-11) is ready to implement the rational distribution of condoms in junior and senior high schools in Davao region despite the opposition by some sectors to the program aimed at curbing the increasing cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) in the country.

DOH Assistant Secretary and concurrently Davao Regional Director, Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr. however, said this will not be compulsory as agreed with the Department of Education (DeEd) in Davao region.

On a national implementation, Dumama said they are just waiting for final instructions from the national office as the secretaries of the two agencies set to release the guidelines on the distribution of condoms.

“This measure must be implemented right away,” Dumama told reporters during the Kapehan sa Davao on Monday at SM Davao Annex.

He said distribution of condoms among the senior students in high schools will help decrease the number of teen pregnancies and prevent the rising HIV cases in the area. HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system then causes AIDS. AIDS is a condition characterized by a combination of signs and symptoms caused by HIV. It makes the afflicted individual susceptible to other threatening infections.

Davao Region is listed by the DOH as among the areas in the country that have high number of new HIV infections for this year.

From January to October 2016, DOH reported a total of 80 AIDS cases and 395 asymptomatic cases. Since 1984 to the present, Davao region registered 259 AIDS cases and 1,993 asymptomatic cases. Of the total cases this year, 451 are males and 24 females.

The health department also took note of high cases of infections among the youth aged 15 to 24 with 165 from January to October, this year or 881 from 1984 to the present.

There are two AIDS cases in the region from January to October and a total of four cases since 1984 to the present.

Dumama, however, clarified that distribution of condoms in junior and senior level students will be with parental supervision. “The distribution condoms will not be open and indiscriminate,” he said.

Counseling and information drive will also play vital role in the process of the distribution that will ensure that the aim and purposes of the drive will be served.

The move of the DOH in the region also received support from a member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao City.

City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang told reporters in the same press conference that he is supporting the move of the DOH and the DepED as the same will be good for the people of Davao City.

“The use of condoms will help reduce the population and prevent the escalation of HIV,” he pointed out. (PNA)LAP/LCM AND ADL/LDP