At least 38 new HIV cases recorded daily in 2019 — DOH

The number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been continuously increasing based on the record of Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau, Mav Gonzales reported on GMA News’ Balitanghali Monday.

Records showed that at least 38 new HIV and AIDS cases are being reported daily this year, which is higher than the 32 cases that were being reported every day in 2018. In 2014, only 16 cases were being reported every day.

As of this year, at least 3, 434 cases of HIV/AIDS in total have already been reported in the country.

DOH Undersecretary Eric Domingo said that the Philippines is one of the few countries where the number of HIV/AIDS cases is consistently rising.

“More than 90% of cases are men especially men who have sex with other men. Ang age grouping natin about one third of the new cases are really very young—15-25 years old,” Domingo said.

He also said that 50% of the cases were young men from 25 to 40 years old. “So 'pag pinagsama natin more than 80% of the cases will be in that demographic," Domingo said.

In March alone, 1,172 cases were reported. It included patients under the age of 15.

For DOH, the increase in the number of HIV/AIDS cases can be attributed to the easy ways to find a sexual partner such as social media and dating apps.

"Maaga rin 'yung sexual debut na tinatawag natin. People become sexually active at a young age na baka hindi pa sila prepared. Hindi pa full yung knowledge nila when it comes to unsafe sex and how to protect themselves,” Domingo said.

Those who are at risk to the infection are advised to undergo testing which is free in testing centers in all regions.

For those who are 15 to 18 years old, they can undergo testing even without parental consent.

Testing centers will also give medicines and counseling to patients, as well as to their partners and family.

The Aids Society of the Philippines (ASP) keeps on encouraging individuals at risk to undergo testing.

"Transmission wise 'di natin masasabi na dumadami ang kaso sa pilipinas. Pero alam natin na 'yung actual numbers ng mga taong alam nila na may hiv sila pataas. Dumadami 'yung porsiyento maybe because of better awareness, less stigma na nagpapa-test ay nagpo-positive,” ASP rogram manager Joshua Young said.

LoveYourself program manager Danvic Rosadiño said the awareness of being HIV/AIDS positive would help patients learn how to take care of themselves.

These organizations are hoping for a more holistic treatment to persons living with HIV (PLHIV) when the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the HIV/AIDS Policy Act are already issued.

"Nai-isolate 'yung HIV AIDS as a single program within the many programs of DOH. Ang maganda po tingnan ay 'yung well-being ng PLHIV. Kasama na po 'yung livelihood don kasi 'yung iba at risk sila mawalan ng trabaho. Pag magiging libre na po lahat ng diagnotics, tests that's a big step na po," Young said.

Domingo highlighted that “HIV is not a death sentence.”

“There's treatment that we can give for patients who have the virus. Marami natatakot magpa-test kasi ‘pag nalamang positive sila baka ma-stigmatize sila ng society. And this is what we want to reverse. We want to say if you feel you have the risk factors, please have yourself tested and of course the government will support you," Domingo said. — LA, GMA News