DOH-10: Increase of HIV cases not alarming
SOME new 48 cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV-Aids) have been recorded in the region from January to February this year, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said.
Dr. Dave Mendoza said though the figure is up of about 14 percent compared to the same period last year, this number is not alarming.
Instead, the regional health office considered this a positive development that more and more people are coming out and having themselves tested.
“Sa amo nga part, mao na ni among produkto sa among singot, because people are already coming over to us talking about their problem, so kung magpadayon ni basin puhon in the next 10 years wala nay new cases kay nakuha naman nato tanan,” Mendoza said.
“Gamay ra na kaayo, 14% higher siya last year pero kami nagpasalamat mi nga nanggawas na sila hinay-hinay kay nakita nato in the next 5-10 years makita gyud nato ang real nga epidemic sa HIV, kay naa paman gyuy gatago, kay aduna paman tay stigma and we hope to see in the coming years that there will be no more stigma,” he added.
In a national scale, Mendoza said the DOH records about 31 cases of HIV cases per day, adding that the male to male transmission is still the number one risk of getting the disease.
Mendoza urged all those who have risks in getting the disease to avail the free HIV testing done every day in designated health centers and hospitals.
“Since HIV law was enacted, nagsugod taas ang kaso, kay we are able to build trust already to our patients so expected na siya nga mosaka, but naa gihapon panahon na mo plateau na siya and when that happens, okay nata going down na dayon ta ana,” he said.
Mendoza said the number of HIV cases is expected to increase especially with the department’s intensified awareness campaign.
He said the department’s service delivery network has also increased which means that their HIV-AIDS programs and interventions have circulated in the communities.
“Gataas ang among service delivery network kay daghan naman among natabangan kay maskin naay HIV they can live as normal as they want to.”
HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (anal/ vaginal), transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing of contaminated needles and between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
Over the weekend, the local organizations advocating against stigma of the HIV-AIDS held a simple ceremony for the International Aids Candlelight Memorial.
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial serves as a community mobilization campaign to raise social consciousness about HIV and AIDS.
It serves as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination, and giving hope to new generations.