As part pf CHMSU’s participation in the national 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women in the Philippines, the Gender and Development Office held two webinars on sexual and reproductive health awareness on December 1 and 2, 2022.
The webinar on December 1 tackled HIV and AIDS Awareness, Prevention, and Management with resource speaker Albert Acson, HIV-AIDS Core Team (HACT) Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH). Acson presented the latest HIV statistics, STI, HIV and AIDS, treatment hubs, R.A. 11166, and services by CLMMRH HACT. He emphasized that being HIV positive does not automatically mean that the person is in the AIDS stage, and that any person can get HIV at any time. Acson also cited the different ways to prevent the spread of HIV. Acson closed his presentation with the message “It’s not who you are but what you do that puts you at risk for STI & HIV.”
Meanwhile, on December 2, the GAD conducted a webinar on Issues Affecting Women’s Sexual Health: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Understanding the Facts, Prevention, and Control with resource speaker Aineeh Richelle P. Montaño, USRn, MPHA, Public Health Nurse, County of Los Angeles, CA, USA, Department of Public Health, Division of HIV and STD Program. Montaño discussed the different STDs, how these are contracted, the symptoms, diagnosis, and recovery regimen or treatment. She also shared the link between STDs and HIV and recommended that those who are sexually active should get tested for these conditions regularly. According to Montaño, it’s up to the person to take control, “You have the facts. Now, protect yourself and your sexual partners.”
GAD Office Director Elvie S. Samson, PhD and coordinators Ma. Hanna Grace M. Lopez, PhD (Alijis Campus), Rose F. Regala, PhD (Binalbagan Campus), and Ann Charyl M. Gallo, PhD (Fortune Towne Campus) facilitated both webinars.
