WATCH: Boy Abunda shows result of HIV test

MANILA - In addressing the stigma surrounding HIV or human immunodeficiency virus, TV host Boy Abunda showed on live television Tuesday the result of his recent HIV test, which he took as part of the United Nations Population Fund.

Abunda, whose result was non-reactive, delved into the topic during the live episode of "Aquino & Abunda Tonight," amid news of the rise in cases of HIV in the Philippines.

Of undergoing the test, he said: "Nakakatakot ho talaga, may kaba. Nakakakaba dahil, what if? It is important that we know. Karapatan ho natin."

"Ang laking kaginhawan sa ating lahat pag nalaman natin [na tayo ay negatibo sa sakit]. Pag positive, makakahingi po tayo ng tulong," he added, mentioning organizations concerned with HIV.

The showbiz veteran discussed trends in HIV-related cases, vulnerable sectors and age brackets, transmission and prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested, and why the stigma attached to HIV should be addressed.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Counseling important for those testing for AIDS

MANILA -- It is not easy to psyche yourself to get tested for HIV-AIDS.

That's why Dr. Regina Berba and Dr. Ronald Elepano of The Medical City's I-React Clinic stressed the importance of counseling for those who want to be tested for HIV-AIDS.

In celebration of World AIDS Day on Sunday, ABS-CBN's "Salamat Dok" invited experts from I-React Clinic to discuss the disease.

"Hindi madaling lumantad at pumunta sa isang clinic for HIV testing," explained Elepano, noting that there is also a stigma associated with the illness, especially since it is a sexually-transmitted disease.

In the Philippines, 491 new cases of HIV-AIDS were reported in October with majority of the new patients between the ages of 15 and 24.

The two experts noted that hormonal surges are at its peak between these ages, which may be a factor in the increase of HIV-AIDS cases.

They pointed out that it is mandated by law for all HIV-AIDS clinics to conduct pre-test and post-test counseling for patients undergoing AIDS testing, whether they turn out to be HIV negative or positive.

"Mahalagang maintindihan nila na hindi hindrance ang HIV sa pagpapatuloy ng work o studies nila," Berba said, stressing that it is important to remember that not all patients with HIV will end up having AIDS.

The experts advised those who will undergo testing to bring their family with them, as they are an important source of inspiration and hope for the patient.

Elepano, for his part, stressed that acceptance is important for a person with HIV to live a normal life.

"Kinakailangang tanggapin ng isang tao na mayroon siyang ginawa sa kanyang past na naglagay sa kanya at risk of HIV-AIDS," he said.

The two experts said that in order to prevent infection, it is important to avoid multiple partners and to always practice safe sex.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com