Assistant Health Secretary Eric Tayag has called on sexually-active males to keep condoms handy in light of rising numbers of those with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Tayag said sexually-active people should not be judged for having condoms ready. “It is like bringing an umbrella, not because you want it to rain, but so you can use it in case it rains,” Tayag said in Filipino.
The influential Catholic Church is opposed to the use of condoms and other forms of artificial contraception, saying they lead to immorality and promiscuity.
The Department of Health has been promoting its “A-B-C” program to prevent the spread of HIV. A stands for Abstinence, B for “Be faithful (to your partner)” and C stands for Condoms.
The DOH recorded 380 new HIV cases in January, the highest rise since it began keeping records in 1984, Sun.Star Online reported.
