PNAC conducts HIV Summit 2010

The Philippine National Aids Council (PNAC) hosted the HIV Summit 2010, a
one-day program calling for immediate action on the increasing number of cases of
HIV AIDS, which was held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. Members from different
government agencies, independent organizations, academe and the media attended
the program.

The purpose of the event, which ran from 8:00 AM to late in the afternoon, was
to raise awareness on the growing number of cases of AIDS in the country, and to
show support for the implementation of the Reproductive Health Bill. Several calls for
action were presented along with statistical facts supporting reports of the disease
becoming widespread in the country.

“The focus of our organization is the treatment, care and support while other
organizations focus on proper education on HIV AIDS,” says Rosemarie Barrientos,
Development Manager for Positive Action Foundation Philippines Inc. (PAFPI). She
emphasized the importance of providing proper education to the public in order to
prevent acquiring the disease.

“The Highlight of this event is the continuous increase of HIV AIDS cases in the
Philippines, that is why different organizations should work hand in hand in providing
the right information to the public to prevent the spread of the disease,” she adds.

Aside from the talk held at the Diamond Ballroom, exhibits from different
members of the PNAC also stood around the registration area. Organizations such as
PAFPI, TLF Share Collective, Inc., and Pinoy Plus, each had booths with booklets and
pamphlets for the audience and passersby.

According to the chairperson of the Case and Support Committee of Pinoy Plus,
we should support RH Bill for the reason that from the year 2007 up to present,
majority of HIV cases comes from the youth sector.

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