A CATHOLIC bishop has called on young Filipinos living with HIV to come forward and seek help without fear or shame.
Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio, vice chair of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Health Care, said stigma keeps many from getting tested or treated.
“They don’t come out in the open because of the shame,” he said. “But I hope this message is clear: Don’t be afraid to come out. Avail of interventions. You are part of the Church we serve and love.”
The Department of Health earlier reported a 500% increase in HIV cases among Filipino youth.
