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AIDS rearing its ugly head on CNMI
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Posted on Dec 02 1998
A ranking official of the Division of Public Health yesterday expressed fear HIV and AIDS are starting to become a major problem in the Northern Marianas as cases continue to climb up despite an awareness campaign.
The issue was raised yesterday during the celebration of the 11th annual World AIDS Day.
Fourteen HIV and AIDS cases were recorded this year, said Elsie Ramon, program manager for sexually transmitted disease and HIV/AIDS.
This brings to 26 the number of HIV and AIDS cases since 1983. The youngest victim has been an infant who acquired the HIV from her mother during pregnancy.
Ramon was alarmed that 10 percent of the cases involved teenagers.
“This is becoming a big problem for the CNMI,” Ramon said.
World AIDS Day is observed to strengthen global efforts at curtailing the spread of AIDS.
Local health authorities have organized month-long public awareness activities aimed at encouraging community support for the prevention of HIV and AIDS.
“We all can be a force for change, especially young people. Protect yourself and be a positive force for change,” the Department of Public Health said in a news release.
For an easy recall, it came up with an ABC acronym to convey its message across: A for abstinence; B for be faithful; and C for condom use.
