DOH-7: HIV/AIDS cases in CV constantly rising

CEBU, Philippines — The number of HIV/AIDS cases in Central Visayas had been rising continuously, the Department of Health -7 reported.

Based on the DOH report, the highest cases are in the age group of 25 to 34 years old (250 cases) followed by 15 to 24 years old (125 cases). The data also shows that male has higher cases of HIV with 450 recorded than female with only 36 cases.

Male-to-male sex was the most common mode of transmission with 179 cases followed by the sharing of needle, 127 cases; sex with males and females, 103 cases; heterosexuals, seven cases; and mother to child, two cases.  The data was from January to June this year.

DOH-7 Medical Officer Van Philip Baton, however, failed to provide the figures last year but he said the number of cases this year is higher compared to the previous year.

Baton said they are already conducting HIV/AIDS test in all city health offices in the region. He encouraged all those who are sexually active to get themselves tested for awareness and prevention.

“We encourage everyone nga mo pa-test gyud aron makabalo sila. We have our testing sa mga city health offices so pwede ra sila moadto didto to get themselves tested,” Baton said.

During the testing, those who are found positive will be provided with intervention such as treatment including pre and post counseling. The test will be conducted by a medtech and all information of the patient will be treated as confidential.

Baton explained the importance of protected sex to prevent acquiring HIV/AIDS. Unprotected sex, transmission of blood through needles with someone who is positive and having multiple partners are among the main reasons for an individual to acquire HIV/AIDS.  Baton believes that it is better for an individual to get himself tested as soon as possible so he can undergo various interventions in an earlier time before it gets too late. A total of 112 people died due to HIV/AIDS since 1984 up to the present.

With Central Visayas having the most number of cases recorded for HIV/AIDS, so far there were no deaths listed for this year. (FREEMAN)