00:00World AIDS Day is celebrated all over the world today.
00:04It is a day to remind everyone to be careful against the disease
00:08and to eradicate the stigma it brings to the affected.
00:11This is the center of the news of Isaiah Miracuente.
00:17Lorenz was diagnosed with HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus at the age of 11.
00:22In 2013, he found out that he was infected with the virus.
00:27During the time that I was diagnosed with HIV, I faced stigma, I faced discrimination.
00:33It's because the people surrounding us are uneducated about HIV and AIDS.
00:40He admitted that his situation is not easy.
00:43One of the most painful experiences is the isolation of his companions in the company he works for.
00:50At one point, he separated his belongings from others.
00:54But there was nothing that could hurt him.
00:56Even though his family was affected, he still had to face the stigma.
01:02I experienced discrimination inside the household.
01:05So, what I just pushed through is to keep educating my family members about HIV
01:10so that we could break that kind of stigma.
01:13But as time went by, the information about HIV gradually became clearer.
01:20Now, because of his acceptance and understanding of some medical methods,
01:25he is continuously recovering from his severe calvary.
01:29Here in the Philippines, according to the Department of Health,
01:3250 people are diagnosed with HIV every day.
01:36Most of them are young people, 15 to 24 years old.
01:4194% are males and 6% are females.
01:46But in the second quarter of this year, the number of HIV cases in the country decreased.
01:51But...
01:52Our sexually transmitted diseases are increasing.
01:56Syphilis, gonorrhea, not just HIV.
02:01So, again, risky behavior.
02:03So, you can't just prepare.
02:06Because if you just prepare, you will get syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
02:12The DOH aims to eliminate stigma or misperception of HIV-positive people.
02:18Stigma is usually due to lack of knowledge.
02:22And that's where your help is needed.
02:24HIV is not a new disease.
02:26It was discovered long ago, in 1983.
02:29There are already drugs for it, anti-retrovirals.
02:32The drugs are free and can be obtained from various treatment hubs in the country.
02:37On December 1, World AIDS Day is celebrated.
02:41Here in the Philippines, World AIDS Day Walk was held this morning.
02:46As for various cities and government agencies, they were not affected by the rain.
02:50And they walked on several streets in Ortigas, Pasig City.
02:55HIV is not a disease.
02:57According to common knowledge, a person with HIV may live a normal life.
03:02Away from any discrimination and judgment.
03:07Isaiah Mirafuentes for Pambansang TV in Bagong, Philippines.
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