Health comm backs proposed HIV/AIDS prevention and control ordinance

After series of deliberation of Cagayan de Oro City AIDS Council (CAC), the City Council committee on health, nutrition, and health insurance chaired by Councilor Paolo Gaane favorably endorsed the approval of the revised draft of the proposed ordinance providing for the Cagayan de Oro City Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) prevention and control program.

The city government recognizes the urgency of addressing the rising number of HIV cases within its jurisdiction, and in affirming state policies of the constitution, to protect and promote the right of the people, and instill health consciousness.

During the recent meeting, Dr. Ronald A. Romano, program coordinator of Reproductive Health & Wellness Center, said the CAC has convened to review and revise the previously submitted draft and agreed to incorporate amendments and refinements of the proposed ordinance.

He emphasized the importance of aligning the proposed ordinance with existing national guidelines, specifically set forth by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Dr. Wellaflor Brito of Department of Health (DOH-10) also shared her recommendation to refine the proposed ordinance, particularly on the denial of treatment of STI, HIV/AIDS. She said it has to be on the account of discrimination before penalize.

Under the code of ethics on medicine, healthcare workers primarily the physicians have the right to refuse treatment to patients except during cases of emergency, she explained.

For his part, Mr. Jackrey-Triomacnel R. Ver, from the Northern Mindanao Aids Advocates (NORMAA) Care, expressed his sentiments that the proposed ordinance is very important for the persons living with HIV, as they would want also the eradication of stigma and discrimination.

He likewise highlighted the “U equals U” or “Undetectable = Untransmittable" catchphrase, encouraging people with HIV to take daily medication to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. (JBD/SP)