DPH backs creation of AIDS center

Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez yesterday said he supports the establishment of a center for people suffering from AIDS or infected with HIV in the Northern Marianas.

The concept, similar to Guam, was suggested by Moses Saburo, the first person on the island to publicly admit that he’s infected with the AIDS-causing virus.

However, such plan should be supported by the community to ensure its success and sustainability, Mr. Villagomez said. He suggested to the local AIDS Council to look at the facility in Guam to learn how it can be applied in the CNMI.

Mr. Saburo has earlier proposed the creation of a center to provide a venue for people suffering from the disease to interact and exchange experiences. He said most of them only depend on the support from their families and friends.

Meanwhile, the DPH secretary commended Mr. Saburo for his courage to come out in the open and help in the campaign against the spread of AIDS.

“It was very unselfish of him and we are extremely happy with what he did,” Mr. Villagomez said.

The Northern Marianas joined the rest of the world in marking December 1 as World AIDS Day in hopes of raising awareness among the people and fight the spread of the deadly disease.

The World Health Organization estimates that 33.4 million people have been infected with the deadly virus worldwide, about 50 percent of them under the age of 25 account for new infections.

Local officials say at least 33 residents are either suffering from HIV or full-blown AIDS and estimates that there could 300 more unreported cases.

Public health officials, students and community volunteers gathered at Mt. Carmel Church grounds where a small ceremony was held reminding people of the need to practice safe sex. Students held 33 red balloons symbolizing the number of people now infected with HIV/AIDS. At exactly 2:00 p.m., the church bells rang and a few moments of silence was observed.

Elsie Ramon, DPH manager of the Communicable Disease Program, urged the people to continue learning about the disease so that they can protect themselves. She asked the people to show more compassion to people who are suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Community volunteer Mike Manglona said abstinence is still the best way to avoid the disease, but advised people to use condom if they can’t avoid it. He also appealed to the people to stay away from drugs and sharing of needles.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio made a commitment to involve island residents in activities designed to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS as a global challenge as well as to encourage participation in worldwide efforts to stem alarming increase in the number of people infected with the virus.