478 new HIV/AIDS cases reported in Western Visayas

ILOILO CITY – Four hundred seventy eight new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases were reported and recorded in Western Visayas in the first eight months of 2018, bringing the total number HIV / AIDS cases reported in the region to 2,741.

Caroline Tumabotabo of the Center for Health Development of the Department of Health (DOH) said that an average of two persons per day are infected with HIV, which causes AIDS .

As the region joins the December 1 commemoration of World AIDS Day, DOH noted that 104 individuals have progressed to having the deadly AIDS.

DOH also found that 278 people have died from AIDS in Western Visayas since 1984, the time the government started monitoring HIV/AIDS cases.

DOH continues to urge those who are have risky sexual behaviors to undergo free HIV testing to be able to get early treatment and prevent contracting full-blown AIDS.

Tumabotabo reiterated that the government has already accredited HIV treatment centers in Western Visayas – the Western Visayas Medical Center and Medical City in Iloilo City.

Doña Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo, Aklan and Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital in San Jose, Antique.