"ICC Students Join Forces to Break HIV/AIDS Stigma with the High Five Program"
By: Chloe Gayle Hester Geralo, The Coterie, Associates editor, Angeline Eraldo, The Coterie, Photojournalist
December 12, 2023, Interface Computer College in Western Visayas recently hosted a seminar on HIV/AIDS education, highlighting the importance of understanding the disease and tackling the stigma surrounding it.
Team Dugong Bughaw launched their flagship program, "High Five," during the seminar, aiming to eliminate discrimination and promote awareness.
The seminar emphasized the distinction between HIV and AIDS, stressing that HIV attacks the immune system and can progress to AIDS if untreated. Understanding the disease's mechanisms is crucial for effective prevention.
Globally, the HIV/AIDS situation remains critical. In 2020, 37.7 million people worldwide lived with HIV/AIDS, a number that continues to climb. Even in Western Visayas, one new HIV diagnosis occurs every hour, emphasizing the ongoing need for focused prevention efforts.
In response to this challenge, initiatives like Team Dugong Bughaw's High Five program play a significant role. By educating individuals about HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention, and the importance of eliminating stigma, the program empowers communities to take control of their health.
Interfacers, together with Team Dugong Bughaw, are taking a stand against HIV/AIDS stigma. By joining hands, we can build a future where everyone has access to healthcare, lives with dignity and respect, and feels empowered to make informed decisions about their health.
Together, let's make High Five a resounding success and create a world free from HIV/AIDS discrimination.