[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’Pageant promotes HIV, AIDS awareness in Aklan ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY JUN AGUIRRE
[/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
KALIBO, Aklan – There will be a pageant promoting awareness on HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in the province.
Twenty-one gay men is joining the pageant host by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), the Provincial AIDS Council and the Butterfly Brigade.
Butterfly Brigade is an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) group that campaigns for HIV and AIDS awareness, according to Debbie Villaflor, PHO HIV/AIDS coordinator.
PHO data showed that there are 121 recorded cases of HIV and AIDS in Aklan.
Villaflor said the number of cases is still rising.
She added that out of 75 HIV and AIDS patients who were treated, 64 have died. The rest are currently undergoing retroviral medication.
In the world-famous island Boracay, another LGBT group – the Red Lace Boracay – is conducting campaign against HIV and AIDS.
Red Lace Boracay is also helping in organizing the pageant, which will be held on Nov. 30 at the ABL Sports Complex in this capital town.
The candidates were made to launch a photo campaign on social media against the spread of HIV and AIDS.
Meanwhile, the Provincial AIDS council has activated its municipal counterparts in 17 towns in the province./PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
