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‘REDVOCATES’

DOH launches new pageant to help combat HIV/AIDS epidemic in PHL


The Department of Health (DOH) on August 2 made history as it introduced the country's first "three-in-one" pageant that doubles as a search for advocates. 

Capitalizing on the tremendous interest generated by beauty contests in the Philippines, DOH will be hosting the "Lhive Free: Redvocates" competition to search for HIV/AIDS awareness ambassadors. 

According to a report by Lhar Santiago for GMA News, "Lhive Free: Redvocate" will produce a male, female, and transgender ambassador. 

The three winners will be tasked to reach out to the public, especially on social media, to help dispel HIV/AIDS-related stigma and misinformation. 

 

"Beauty queens are very influential in terms of campaigns and advocacy, so we believe that pageantry will be a good method of reaching out to our fellowmen," Dr. Gerard Belimac, DOH program manager for HIV/AIDS Sexually Transmitted Infections, said.

DOH data shows that there were 950 new cases of HIV infections documented in May, with a majority of the new patients falling in the age range of 15 to 34 years old. 

The "Lhive Free: Redvocates" coronation night is scheduled to be held late September. — AT, GMA News

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