Solon pushes for microbicides dev't

MANILA, Aug. 21 (PNA) -- A lawmaker is pushing for a legislative measure that seeks for the development of a new technology on microbicides to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Rep. Narciso D. Santiago III (Party-list, ARC), in filing House Bill 4744, said social, health and economic burdens of STDs are especially severe for developing countries such as the Philippines, where the most affected are women ages 15 to 49 years old.

STDs also represent the second largest cause of mortality and disability, Santiago said.

Under the proposed measure, microbicides, like today's spermicides, would be used vaginally by women to help protect themselves and their partners, and protect unborn infants from the possible sexual transmission of HIV and other STD pathogens.

Santiago explained that these compounds could be formulated in a number of ways such as a gel, film, sponge or time-released capsules.

"Microbicides, once fully developed, could be used in addition to condoms or as an alternative when condom use is not possible," he said.

Santiago said the STDs that might be prevented from transmission in case microbicides have already been developed are: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B, herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the human papilloma virus.

Among these diseases, hepatitis B, herpes, HIV and the human papilloma virus are incurable and these represent two-thirds (2/3) of the new infections, he also said.

"These diseases impose high human costs in pain, diminished quality of life, disability and death and these infections also substantially enhance susceptibility to HIV infection. This is what we want to lessen if not totally stop," he added.

The bill mandates the Department of Health (DOH) and all its components to intensify studies and research on the initial mechanism of infection by sexually transmitted pathogens.