After reports found human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases in Negros Occidental were nearing 600, based on data from both the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) HIV and AIDS Core Team (HACT) and the Bacolod City Health Office (CHO), the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed a resolution during their regular session earlier this week calling on Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia to convene the local sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV/AIDS Council.

In Bacolod City alone, there are a reported 304 cases of HIV/AIDS.

According to the resolution, authored by City Councilor Em Ang, “There is a need to convene the Bacolod Local STI/HIV/AIDS Council in order to effectively implement intervention program activities which will prevent the spread of [HIV/AIDS] and [STIs] by promoting public awareness.”

In a separate resolution, the SP also approved the observance of World AIDS Day in Bacolod City, which takes place next week, December 1.

The observance is the first global health day, wherein, based on the official World AIDS Day website, is “an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.”/PLL, WDJ