Iloilo records 218 HIV cases,15 deaths in 2023

LOILO CITY: The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reported 218 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) and recorded 15 deaths from January to September 2023.

Data from the IPHO revealed that the towns of Oton and Pavia had the most number of HIV cases in the province, with Oton reporting 138 cases and Pavia 113 cases.

The primary mode of transmission is men who have sex with men, accounting for 154 cases. Other modes include male-to-female transmission with 32 cases, men having sex with both men and women with 29 cases, and mother-to-child.

The age group 25-34 accounted for the majority of HIV diagnosis in 2023, with 107 cases.

“Our cases have continued to rise since 2020,” said IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.

“The province of Iloilo has the highest number of cases in Western Visayas. We have recorded 1,707 cumulative cases from 1986 until September 2023,” Colmenares-Quiñon added.

Of the cumulative cases, the province recorded 186 fatalities.

IPHO figures revealed that the province had 153 cases of HIV in 2020, which surged to 229 in 2021, and 289 in 2022.

“The increase can be attributed to the heightened awareness of HIV in the province and the increased number of our rural health units (RHUs) or hospitals offering HIV testing. Our residents now understand the importance of knowing their status,” she explained.

HIV testing is available in three district hospitals in the province, namely, the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan town, Jesus Colmenares District Hospital in Balasan, and Rep. Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital in Guimbal.

Colmenares-Quiñon said that HIV testing services are also provided at the RHUs in Calinog and Janiuay.

Although there is currently no cure for HIV, Colmenares-Quiñon said antiretroviral therapy (ART) is accessible in HIV treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities.

ART involves a regimen of prescribed maintenance medication widely used among people living with HIV (PLHIV) to target the different stages of the HIV life cycle, inhibiting the virus’ ability to replicate and reproduce itself.

According to IPHO data, 1,104 PLHIV have enrolled in ART.

Colmenares-Quiñon emphasized that PLHIV with undetectable viral loads are unable to transmit HIV to their sexual partners.

“We encourage those who are unsure of their status to get tested. We assure you that we maintain and observe confidentiality,” said Colmenares-Quiñon.

The IPHO head added that testing minimizes the risks of HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections.

“If tested and treated with antiretroviral medications, PLHIVs can still live a healthy, fulfilling and normal life,” she added.