CHEAPER condoms will soon be distributed in schools and workplaces across the country as the Department of Health (DOH) intensifies its response to the growing number of HIV cases, especially among young Filipinos.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the goal is to make condoms more accessible to help prevent unprotected sex among adolescents and other vulnerable groups. He noted that many of the new HIV cases are being recorded in very young individuals, with the youngest documented case involving a 12-year-old.

In partnership with the Department of Education, the DOH is also establishing adolescent health clinics in public schools. These clinics will offer services and educational modules aimed at improving students’ awareness and understanding of HIV prevention and care.

Despite existing efforts, Herbosa admitted that current interventions are falling short as HIV infections continue to rise. He said the DOH is now recommending that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declare a national public health emergency to mobilize broader government support.

“We need more help; I can’t command other agencies. Only the President can do that,” he said in a Philstar report.

Lawmakers urge action on mpox

As the health department monitors another concern — a potential resurgence of mpox — lawmakers are calling for preventive measures, especially in schools ahead of the new academic year.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian urged schools to adopt health and safety protocols, including proper handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and daily health checks. He also emphasized the need for accessible handwashing facilities and coordination with local health centers to mitigate the risk of mpox transmission.

“I urge our schools to implement measures and promote practices that will help mitigate the risk of mpox transmission among learners, teachers and non-teaching personnel,” Gatchalian said in the same report.(MyTVCebu)

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• #Condoms
• #Cheaper Condoms
• #Department of Health
• #HIV
• #Schools
• #Ted Herbosa
• #Department of Education