HIV/Aids bane
7 Aids deaths in Jan-Jun 2017 in R11
DAVAO Region has already recorded seven deaths due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/Aids) from January to June this year alone.
Maria Teresa Requillo, DOH 11 regional HIV program manager, revealed these data during the Connect held at SM Lanang Premier yesterday.
Dr. Jordana Ramiterre, head of the Davao City Health Office's reproductive health and wellness center, said among these numbers, three deaths were recorded in Davao City from January to June of 2017.
Requillo said the other four deaths came from different provinces in Davao Region.
They, however, did not divulge the ages of those who succumbed to the
disease.
However, since the first HIV case reported in 1984 in the country, the region has already recorded a total of 148 deaths up to June of 2017.
Of this number, 109 deaths were recorded in Davao City.
In Davao City, there was also a recorded pregnant woman or one case of mother to child transmission from January to June this year.
Requillo also said there are already five treatment hubs now in Davao Region and these are located at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City; Davao Regional Center in Apokon, Tagum City; Reproductive Health and Wellness Center in Jacinto Street, Davao City; and one and only private treatment hub, the Davao Doctors Hospital.
She added that there are already 22 HIV counseling and testing facilities in Davao Region.
June Sanchez of the Davao Doctors Hospital (DDH) said since some people don't want to line up to be screened for HIV/Aids, the hospital offers the whole package including the counseling and testing/screening of HIV/Aids for P830.
Requillo, meanwhile advised that the anti-retroviral drugs are free, through PhilHealth.