Comprehensive sex education among issues eyed as Cebu HIV Council prepares for first meeting

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A PROPOSAL to strengthen comprehensive sexual education in schools is expected to be discussed when the Provincial HIV/AIDS Multisectoral Council holds its inaugural meeting this month, amid growing concern over the increasing number of HIV cases among young people in Cebu.

Provincial Board Member Stanley Caminero, vice chairperson of the council, said education will be one of the major areas for discussion, particularly with the participation of the Department of Education (DepEd).

"We give so much emphasis to the role of DepEd," Caminero said, adding that the council hopes to identify how government agencies can further support existing health education programs using current HIV data.

The council was created through an ordinance approved in January and signed by Governor Pamela Baricuatro the following month.

Caminero said the body is now completing its organizational requirements before convening its first official meeting, which will coincide with the Provincial Health Board session to ensure the attendance of key agencies.

The council's formation comes as Cebu continues to see a significant number of HIV infections among younger age groups.

While Caminero stressed that rising figures largely reflect expanded testing and improved case detection, he acknowledged that the trend among adolescents and young adults remains a major concern.

He said people aged 15 to 24 now account for 29 percent of HIV cases in Cebu, while those aged 24 to 34 comprise 52 percent. Together, the two age groups represent more than 70 percent of all recorded cases.

"The 15 to 24 age group is really catching up," Caminero said, noting that many individuals within this bracket are still in school, making prevention through education even more important.

For the first quarter of the year, Cebu Island recorded 201 new HIV cases, including 78 from component cities and municipalities outside the highly urbanized cities.

Caminero emphasized that addressing HIV requires a coordinated effort beyond the health sector.

He said local governments, schools, community organizations, religious groups and the media all have important roles in promoting awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging voluntary testing.

He also identified timely data collection, sustained participation from partner agencies and effective public communication as among the challenges the newly formed council hopes to address as it strengthens the province's HIV response.(MyTVCebu)