10 new HIV cases discovered in General Santos City

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Ten new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus have been discovered in General Santos City following a recent screening conducted by the City Health Office which coincided with the observance of the 35th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.

The latest discovery are in addition to nearly 600 cases recorded in General Santos City where 2 persons had died from the deadly disease.

The two fatalities were already suffering from fullblown AIDS upon diagnosis and have not availed of antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment.

“We detected at least 10 new cases in each of our previous mobile screening activities,” she said.

Dr. Mely Lastimoso, coordinator of the City Health Office’s Social Hygiene Clinic (SHC), said the screening aims to highlight the continuing education and advocacy against the deadly disease.

She said the mobile screening held recently at the Robinsons Mall, mainly targeted vulnerable residents who have not yet undergone HIV testing.

Complications from HIV cause Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Lastimoso said the CHO provides ARV drug treatment for free, through the Department of Healthsupported satellite treatment hub here. The tests or screening are free of any charges and the results will be treated as confidential, she added.

ARV drug treatment mainly stops the multiplication of the infected person’s viral load and eventually prevents them from further spreading the disease. In some countries, the use of antiretroviral drugs has helped effectively lower the incidence of HIV infection to about 1 percent and eventually stabilized the detected cases.

Lastimoso said it’s important for vulnerable residents to get tested early for HIV so they can avail of immediate treatment. She cited those who were engaged in unprotected sex and with multiple partners.