Barking Up the Wrong Tree

HIV/AIDS and related issues need to be everyone's business today. With the recent scare on the rapid increase of HIV cases in the Philippines in the past few months, it is nice to know that both private and government agencies are acting on the clamor to address the issues. But I have to admit that what I find most inspiring are the individuals who take an active role in whatever ways they can to contribute to this herculean task of combating the epidemic.

I have to say, however, that some efforts, although laudable, are not without fault. A (not-so) recent article was shared in my Facebook wall got me to be a bit critical and question some of these (supposed) campaigns. Like most issues, the facts of the matter become considerably less simplistic upon further scrutiny.

ABS-CBNnews.com published an article that attributes the "rise of internet usage" to be (one of) the main "factors that were found to contribute to the rapid spread of HIV in the country." Entitled "HIV patient warns vs. internet sex sites," the article took the story of Wanggo Gallaga as an example to warn the public to NOT engage in sexual relations with people met via Internet (Sex Sites).

"MANILA, Philippines - Magazine editor Wanggo Gallaga, a person living with HIV, warned the youth against having sex with strangers they meet through the internet.

Gallaga, who has openly talked about his sickness since 2008, said in an interview with ABS-CBN News that he engaged in casual sex with random strangers met through "internet pick-up sites."

He says this may have been why he was infected with human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), a disease that damages the immune system...

...After graduating from a prestigious university and experiencing a tough breakup, Gallaga said he frequented several gay "pick-up" sites on the internet... "

So what seems to be the problem with such campaign? Although the intention may be pure and noble, and that is to disseminate information, this campaign clearly commits some fallacy-- ascribing a false cause. To put it idio(ma)tically,  barking up the wrong tree. If we are to follow its reasoning, then everyone who have had sexual relationships with people met online would have had acquired the virus. Of course I am exaggerating!

Looking at the anecdote above, one doesn't have to be a genius to recognize that what gets people to get infected by the virus is the fact that the sexual act was UNSAFE, and the fact that the sexual partner was found online is just an antecedent, merely accidental. The fact remains that the virus can and will be acquired in risky sexual behaviours, regardless of whether the sexual partners are met via the internet, a drinking party, a simple visit at the church and so on.

Furthermore, it may be true that it is easier to find sexual partners via the internet. The whole sexual act can happen in an instant and with very few inconvenience. At the same time, one can have as many sexual partners as one pleases with just merely repeating the process-- send message,swap information then decide to meet up for sex. But it also must be recognize it doesn't really take a lot to get infected. It only takes one unsafe sexual act, and anyone is already opening himself up to the entire possibility of acquiring it.

Admittedly, this approach does little to address the problem right now. Let us address the real issue. It is not where we find our sexual partner, but HOW the sexual act is done. Although we may grant that chances of getting the virus from strangers we find online, the fact remains that the virus can still be caught anywhere, and the only way to avoid contracting it is a safer sexual practice.

Wanggo's heart might be at the right place-- he wants to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS infections. However, while his attempt to combat HIV/AIDS with information, I also believe that what the public needs is NOT simply information, but CORRECT information.


PS: Article in review is found at http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/02/02/10/hiv-patient-warns-vs-internet-sex-sites