HIV cases in Cebu City a ‘cause for concern’

councilor of this city has expressed concern over the high number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) here.

Councilor Rey Gealon said that based on a national media report, Central Visayas has 8,407 newly diagnosed HIV cases from January to May 2022. Of the number, 4,993 individuals or 59 percent came from Cebu City.

Gealon on Friday said he sent a letter to Dr. Daisy Villa, officer in charge of the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD), to ask how he could “effectively legislate” to address the rise in HIV cases in the city.

He also requested Villa for a detailed report on the number of individuals who were diagnosed with HIV as of November 2022, as well as the figures in the past two to three years.

“I write to you in aid of legislation to enable this representation to effectively legislate on matters within your department, especially on the increasing number of newly diagnosed HIV and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) individuals,” read part of the letter.

According to the World Health Organization, HIV is an infection that targets the immune system and weakens people’s defense against many infections.

Death toll

AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.

HIV is transmitted through sexual intercourse, or by sharing needles, syringes or other drug injection equipment.

Since 1984, at least 491 persons had died due to HIV complications in Central Visayas, which is composed of the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Under Republic Act 11166 or the “Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act,” the government shall establish policies and programs to prevent the spread of HIV and deliver treatment, care and support services to Filipinos living with HIV in accordance with evidence-based strategies and approaches that uphold the principles of human rights, gender-responsiveness and age-appropriateness.

Multisectoral approach

The state shall also adopt a multisectoral approach in responding to the country’s HIV and AIDS situation by ensuring that the whole government approach, local communities, civil society organizations and persons living with HIV are at the center of the process.

“HIV and AIDS are public health concerns that have wide-ranging social, political and economic repercussions. Responding to the country’s HIV and AIDS situation is therefore imbued with public interest and shall be anchored on the principles of human rights upholding human dignity,” the law stated.

“There shall be an HIV and AIDS prevention program that will educate the public on HIV and AIDS with the goal of reducing risky behavior, lowering vulnerabilities and promoting the human rights of person living with HIV,” it added.