Seafaring is, perhaps, the most active job as it requires the most vigorous individuals. Thus, seafarers are by
far the most highly mobile workers who are mainly composed of men in their sexually active years.
far the most highly mobile workers who are mainly composed of men in their sexually active years.
Most seafarers spend 2-5 years away from home and their loved ones. This expanse time, more often than not, induces sexually precarious conduct among seamen.
In a study made by UNICEF and UNAIDS (agencies under the United Nations), an estimated 22% of seafarers in Southeast Asia are supposedly infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.In the Philippines it was noted by the health department’s HIV/AIDS Registry that 20% of the reported HIV infections are composed of seafarers most of whom contracted the disease through sexual intercourse.
In a survey conducted by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) maritime affiliates on HIV/AIDS, health and wellbeing where 34 trade unions and 608 seafarers were quizzed, it was found out that most seafarers still believed in myths regarding the transmission of HIV/AIDS.
The survey showed that only 17% of respondents trusted the efficiency of condoms in preventing the disease; while 46% believed it can be spread through food and drinks.
The ITF HIV/AIDS Program coordinator Dr. Asif Altaf stated that since Filipino seafarers compose a third of the world’s maritime industry, the program’s success in the Philippines will definitely have a global effect.
Causes and Effects
Long term estrangement from loved ones is, perhaps, the leading cause of HIV. Physical distance usually leads seafarers to commit radical actions, mainly sexual ones. This is readily accommodated by the easily-accessible commercial sex from every port in world.
Ironically, condoms are frequently unavailable in areas where there is a noted prevalence of HIV cases.
In most ports, sexual workers generally do not undergo health screenings.
If it happened that a seafarer is in need of medical attention in another country, more often than not, the danger from possibly HIV infected syringes and needle is imminent.
It is important to note that the disease cannot be transmitted through social contact. Only through sexual intercourse and exposure to blood and breast milk will the disease be transmitted.
Transmission through kissing and oral sex is also not possible according to prior studies.
There has also been no laboratory evidence that present the capability of insects to pass on the disease.
The infection usually results in the continuous deterioration of the immune system as well as other organ systems of the body.
In some cases, the clinical signs of HIV do not manifest for months or even years.
Help and Acceptance
In October of this year, the Magsaysay Maritime Corporation – a noted manning agency in the country which provides employment to 40,000 seafarers – partnered with ITF in promoting awareness and providing employment for HIV positive Filipino mariners.
Other maritime associations all over the globe have also started cooperating with the ITF in the awareness and prevention of the disease. These associations have started conducting awareness campaigns, seminars and programs for both cadets, seafarers and their families.
Some of the aforementioned global associations are as follows: The Asociación Sindical Oficiales de Máquinas de la Marina Mercante Nacional of Mexico; the Kesatuan Pelaut Indonesia; the Norwegian seafarers’ Union; the youth committee of the National Union of Seafarers of India; and the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine
A comic book was also produced in the Philippines which tackles the factors of HIV susceptibility while at sea and how HIV positive mariners can confidently struggle with work. The said comic book is entitled “Shore Leave” by the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines.
Other Diseases Acquired Through Sexual Contact
Chancroid
Chlamydia
Crabs
Gonorrhoea
Hepatitis
Herpes
Human Papillomavirus/Genital Warts or HPV
Molluscum Contagiosum
Nongonococcal
Urethritis (NGU)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID
Scabies
Syphilis
Vaginitis
Seafarers: The Leading Carriers of HIV?
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Saturday, April 09, 2016
