New HIV cases almost hit 1,000 per month

MANILA, Philippines — For three succeeding months, the number of new HIV/AIDS cases hit almost 1,000 a month, the latest report of the Department of Health (DOH) showed yesterday. 

Based on the HIV/AIDS registry prepared by the DOH-Epidemiology Bureau, a total of 950 new cases of HIV/AIDS were documented in May. Prior to this, there were 914 and 924 cases recorded in March and April, respectively.

Last January and February, the DOH had monitored 1,021 and 871 cases, respectively.

In an earlier interview, DOH program manager for National AIDS/Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention and Control Program Gerard Belimac said there was really a rising trend of the epidemic in the country.

However, he noted the increasing awareness about testing and treatment hubs of the DOH is also contributing to the figures. 

Belimac added that to curb the epidemic, the DOH has been promoting the so-called test and treat strategy wherein the release of the test results is shortened and those who turned positive are immediately referred for consultation and treatment. 

The registry further showed the 950 cases in May had brought to 55,282 the total number of cases recorded since January 1984. Of this, 166 were already AIDS at the time of reporting.

But out of the 950 cases, five were pregnant women. 

Three of them were from Region 7 while Metro Manila and Region 4-A had one case each.