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.