PrEP in the Philippines

The Philippines has started a pilot project on PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Around 200 healthy LGBT individuals (HIV negative) will participate in this two year long research.

PrEP if taken daily can reduce chances of HIV infection.

This is great news for the Philippines which has among the fastest HIV infection rate in the world.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/619762/phl-tests-anti-hiv-drug-as-cases-hit-record-high

World AIDS Day 2016

Once again we remember those whose lives were changed because of HIV AIDS.

HIV AIDS in the Philippines has reached epidemic levels.  In fact Cagayan de Oro is among the top 5 cities in the Philippines with a high HIV infection rate.

Always remember to practice safer sex and use condoms often.

Be responsible for yourself and others!

Cure for HIV?

After undergoing HIV trial treatment, a man in the UK has now "undetectable" levels of HIV in his blood.

The treatment was developed by universities in the UK.

This is exciting news to HIV positive people around the world.

However they still have to monitor the patient for several months before any final conclusion can be made.

All we can do now is hope and pray that we finally have a cure for this disease.


http://www.rappler.com/science-nature/life-health/148080-new-hiv-treatment-promising-results-scientists

Risk of Oral Sex

Is oral sex less risky compared to penetrative sex?  

From what I have read so far, the answer to this question is yes.  Among the sexual acts, oral sex has less risk for HIV infection compared to penetrative sex (anal or vaginal).

HIV is transmitted through blood, semen or vaginal fluids and even breast milk.  The virus has to get through our bloodstream.

Now it does not mean if oral sex is less risky, you just suck anyone at anytime.  If you have sores or open wound in your mouth, having oral sex would increases the risk for infection.  Eating or even brushing your teeth can cause open wounds in your mouth.  So be careful.

As of the latest statistics, Cagayan de Oro is one of the 10 cities in the Philippines with high HIV infection.  In Mindanao, I think it is just second to Davao.

To avoid getting infected, the best thing to do is use a condom while having oral sex.  That is the only way to avoid contact of semen including pre-cum to your mouth.


http://www.hivplusmag.com/just-diagnosed/2016/9/12/can-i-get-hiv-through-oral-sex

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2016

Remembering those who have died due to HIV AIDS.

World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day.  We remember those who have died and the countless people, friends, families who have suffered from this disease.

Please be responsible for yourself and others!  Use a condom!  Get yourself tested.  Free testing is available at the Cagayan de Oro City Health Office, 2nd Floor Laboratory.

A tribute to Freddie Mercury

A tribute to Freddie Mercury, lead vocalist of the British rock band Queen. He died on November 24, 1991 due to AIDS complication.

Freddie Mercury never discussed his homosexuality or bisexuality in public.

Knowing someone with HIV

I have been vocal on the issue of HIV AIDS online but has not personally known someone who has HIV AIDS.

For the purpose of hiding his identity and the situation he is in, I am changing the story a bit.

A few weeks ago, a friend approached me.  I knew him but we were not close friends or anything, just an acquaintance.  He started talking about stuff until he mentioned about HIV AIDS.  So I started to get suspicious.  I just listened and answered his questions until he finally admitted to me that he was HIV positive.

At first I was surprised and even skeptical.  I did not expect him to be gay.  He told me that he comes from a conservative family and had to hide his sexuality from them.

His being in a conservative family made his situation worst.  He could not tell his parents or siblings what was going on with his life.  And because of this, he felt that suicide was his only option.

I encouraged him to get counselling, talk to someone he trusts and join HIV AIDS groups in Cagayan de Oro.  These groups can help him in sorting out his emotions, his frustrations in life.

After the talk, I made him promise to join these groups and not think of suicide.  Living with HIV AIDS is not the end, it is actually a 2nd life worth living for.

748 new HIV cases in the Philippines

In May, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 748 new cases of HIV / AIDS in the Philippines.  Around 86% of the new cases were due to male who had sex with male (MSM).

Free HIV testing is still available at the Cagayan de Oro City Health Office (Room 16-Laboratory, 2nd floor).

Please be responsible for yourself and others.  Get tested!  Use a condom!

90 persons availed of free HIV testing

According to SunStar Daily only 90 persons availed of the free HIV testing.  This is really disappointing.

From May 11 to 15, the City Health Office offered free HIV testing.  I am not sure why the numbers are quite low.  I was expecting hundreds of people getting tested.

I am encouraging EVERYONE to avail of this free service.  City Health Office is still offering free HIV testing.

Get tested!  Know your status!  

Fastest growing HIV epidemic in the world

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) representative, the Philippines has the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the world.  Again, the WORLD.

It is time to do something about this!  I am again appealing to everyone to practice safe sex and always use condoms!

http://www.rappler.com/nation/93839-who-ph-response-hiv

HIV AIDS in CDO reaching epidemic level

Cagayan de Oro has been named as one of the 6 cities in the Philippines with very high prevalence of HIV AIDS.

Other cities mentioned are Quezon, Manila, Caloocan, Cebu and Davao.

According to a survey only 35% who engage in male to male sex use condoms.

Again an appeal to everyone, use condoms!  practice safe sex!

http://www.rappler.com/nation/89412-hiv-6-philippine-cities-uncontrollable-rates

Gays banned from donating blood

I read in a recent article that the US was planning to lift a ban on gay blood donors.  In the 1970's gay men were banned from donating blood because of the AIDS scare.  However the US health regulators remain skeptical on this plan.  The fear is that blood contamination might become rampant and would put blood recipients at risk.

I am not sure if the Philippine Red Cross still bans gay men or the LGBT community from donating blood.  The last time I read their blood donation policy, if you have a lifestyle that is prone to high risk diseases like hepatitis or HIV AIDS you are not allowed to donate, in short gay men are not allowed to donate

http://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/us-panel-fails-to-lift-ban-on-gay-blood-donors/ar-BBgjfNR

World AIDS Day

Today we again remember those who have died and are infected with HIV AIDS.  This disease has changed greatly the LGBT community and has affected the lives of people around the world.

While HIV infection in the western hemisphere has gone down, in the Philippines it is a different story.  The rate of HIV infection in the Philippines has grown rapidly that a couple of years ago, the Department of Health has declared an epidemic outbreak of HIV AIDS in the Philippines.

I am encouraging everyone to use condoms and practice safe sex.  No barebacking or using of cum as lubricants.  We have to be responsible for ourselves and others!

 

Condom law affects porn industry in Los Angeles, USA

The basic purpose of the Condom Law was to require all male porn actors to wear condoms during filming.  This was to prevent the spread of HIV AIDS and other sexually transmitted infection in the porn industry.

Since its implementation in 2012, production of porn in the Los Angeles area has dropped dramatically.  It is said to affect 10,000 jobs and 6 Billion Dollars worth of revenues.

According to porn producers, actors are not comfortable using condoms and fans don't like it either. The consumers or fans simply wants raw sex.

Before the implementation of the Condom Law, actors undergo rigid HIV testing and other measures were in place to prevent the spread of infections.  However some actors in recent years contracted HIV AIDS.

Some productions are now being moved outside LA and even abroad. 

http://www.rappler.com/entertainment/news/65767-condom-law-la-directors-difficult?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=referral

New condom may be able to kill STDs

An Australian company is developing a new condom that may be able to kill sexually transmitted infections including HIV AIDS.

How does it work?  The condom is coated with VivaGel which contains antimicrobial drug that can reduce the risk of STDs and HIV AIDS.

It is not a 100% guarantee but at least it reduces significantly the risk of infection.


https://ph.she.yahoo.com/blogs/healthy-living/potentially-huge-news-condom-may-able-kill-hiv-210500007.html

High AIDS infection in the Philippines

AIDS infection and deaths in the world has already slowed down according to an international AIDS conference recently held in Australia.  

However it is a different story for the Philippines including Indonesia and Pakistan.  These countries were identified as the only 3 countries in the world with high AIDS infection for the year 2013.

The Philippine AIDS situation is getting worst.  The president of the AIDS Society in the Philippines has declared that the Philippines may be the next Africa.  Africa right now has the highest AIDS infection in the world and is considered as the main source of the infection.

We in the LGBT community must do our share in fighting HIV AIDS.   If we do not do anything about this, we will soon find ourselves grieving for our friends and even possibly a family member.

As I keep on saying for the past years and even decade, ALWAYS be responsible for yourself and others!  Practice safe or safer sex and use a condom!

HIV AIDS gone by 2030?

The World Heath Organization (WHO) said that HIV AIDS could be wiped out by 2030 if the world moves fast and put in place measures to prevent the disease from further spreading.

HIV AIDS infections and deaths have been dropping dramatically due to new medicines and intensive information drive.

However HIV AIDS is still prevalent in African countries and parts of Asia due to discrimination and lack of information.

In the Philippines, HIV AIDS is still on the rise.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/370595/scitech/technology/aids-could-be-wiped-out-by-2030-the-un-says

Using cum as lubricant

Some people are using cum or semen as lubricant during sex.  This is a big NO.  Always remember that most of the sexually transmitted infection like HIV AIDS and even Hepatitis are found in cum or semen.

It is usually transmitted through openings or microscopic tears of the skin.  Constant rubbing during sex or masturbation, the skin is exposed to microscopic tears allowing the virus to enter your body.  

So if you use your partners cum as lubricant when you masturbate, you are basically putting yourself at risk.

Mandatory HIV test against the law

DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag earlier announced that the department is working out details for making HIV tests compulsory so as to prevent the spread of the disease.

However Republic Act 8504, or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 does not allow compulsory HIV testing, adding that the government will not allow the implementation of any policy that goes against existing laws.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/05/18/14/palace-says-compulsory-hiv-test-against-law