The price we pay for everything we acquire doesn’t always come with a monetary value. It doesn’t even need to take shape in a tangible form. As Andy Mcintyre stated: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”

Being unaware on how to prevent HIV from entering the body will expose us to the risk of acquiring the virus, but it’ll be worse if we know that we have it and do nothing. I believe that knowing nothing is the lesser evil as compared to keeping a blind eye even though you know the real state of your health. Perhaps it was ignorance or perhaps is was plain laziness. Either way, it will do you harm.

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Image Source: shekinahtoday.com

So, in case you know the status of your health, acquire correct and accurate information and just don’t believe what you read from the internet or from the documentary that you watched. Learn to asks the ‘whys’ and ‘what ifs’. You can also connect with nongovernment organizations like the Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI) for the information that you seek.

We offer and facilitate Learning Group Sessions (LGS) in PAFPI’s office, treatment hubs or every possible venue where we could share our knowledge. This will provide PLHIVs a better grasp on how to handle their situation. This will also prevent them from sharing misleading facts and statements to people who want to gain a substantial amount of knowledge on the subject.

Having the right information and being properly educated on HIV and AIDS can make a difference not only to yourself, but also to the people who matter to you.