For a range of reasons -- from having infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or C, or even just having abnormal x-ray results -- at least 142  overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were deported from the Middle East since last year,  a Saudi-based medical association reported. Dr. Tawfik Khoja said the Filipinos  were repatriated from the Middle East in 2012 and 2013 after being found to have infectious diseases like HBsAg (Hepa B), HCV (Hepa C), HIV/AIDS, and abnormal x-ray results upon arriving in their host countries. Khoja is the director general of the Health Ministers’ Council for Cooperation Council States (GAMCA), an accredited medical association in Saudi...

All eyes are on Malate, the heart and home of Manila's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) nightlife as it celebrates the 12th White Party Manila on June 29. Internet sensation celebrity Sebastian Castro graces the event as the face of White Party Manila. The openly gay painter-singer is an advocate of gender equality, widely accepted by the Filipino LGBT community for being proud of his sexuality. Started in 2001, the White Party is the largest annual gathering of LGBTs and avenue for celebrating equality, unity, and acceptance. Chelu Productions, in coordination with the Malate Business Association, spearheads this year’s White Party celebration alongside several organizations...

Newly Diagnosed HIV Cases in the Philippines In APRIL 2013, there were 388 new HIV Ab sero-positive individuals confirmed by the STD/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory (SACCL) and reported to the HIV and AIDS Registry. This was 67% higher compared to the same period last year (n=233 in 2012). Most of the cases (95%) were males. The median age was 28 years (age range: 17-63 years). The 20-29 year (61%) age group had the most number of cases. Reported mode of transmission were sexual contact (356) and needle sharing among injecting drug users (32). Males having sex with other males (81%) were the predominant type of sexual transmission. Most (94%) of the cases were still asymptomatic...

Newly Diagnosed HIV Cases in the Philippines In MARCH 2013, there were 370 new HIV Ab sero-positive individuals confirmed by the STD/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory (SACCL) and reported to the HIV and AIDS Registry. This was 18% higher compared to the same period last year (n=313 in 2012). Most of the cases (96%) were males. The median age was 28 years (age range: 17-63 years). The 20-29 year (55%) age group had the most number of cases. Reported mode of transmission were sexual contact (364) and needle sharing among injecting drug users (6). Males having sex with other males (85%) were the predominant type of sexual transmission. Most (97%) of the cases were still asymptomatic...

Newly Diagnosed HIV Cases in the Philippines In FEBRUARY 2013, there were 339 new HIV Ab sero-positive individuals confirmed by the STD/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory (SACCL) and reported to the HIV and AIDS Registry. This was 24% higher compared to the same period last year.  Most of the cases (96%) were males. The median age was 27 years (age range: 18-58 years). The 20-29 year (60%) age group had the most number of cases. Reported mode of transmission was sexual contact (339). Males having sex with other males (82%) were the predominant type of sexual transmission. Most (93%) of the cases were still asymptomatic at the time of reporting. In February 2013, bulk...