MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrant and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) on Wednesday expressed alarm over the rise in the number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
“With this alarming news, we will discuss and address this pressing issue with CBCP-ECHC (Episcopal Commission on Health Care) for awareness, prevention, medical help and assistance. HIV is a growing threat to all and anywhere. It is destructive and deadly,” CBCP-ECMI chairman, Bishop Ruperto Santos, said.
“We have to work together. And we at CBCP-ECMI will act on this matter,” the Bataan prelate added.
He noted that their main concern is not only the OFWs’ spiritual welfare but their physical well-being as well, to make their life dignified, and their rights respected and promoted.
“It is our desire that they live fully, fruitful and faithful,” said Santos.
Data from the Department of Health showed that the number of HIV cases among OFWs rose from 92 to in 2005 to 814 in 2017.
Majority of them were attributed to sexual intercourse between men. (PNA)
