HIV-positive OFW infects 10 in Cebu

A 28-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who arrived in Cebu last month has tested positive of the dreaded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the first confirmed HIV case this year.

Eric (not his real name) has been working in the Middle East for two years and returned last month for the Sinulog celebration.

Eric was found positive of HIV after he underwent a medical check-up on the second week of January at the AIDS-Free Philippines which was facilitated by Dr. Joseff Bullecer. He is now undergoing counseling sessions.

Dr. Bullecer said Eric had confessed to an active sex life in the Middle East with both sexes. Now that he is HIV positive, he can no longer work in the Middle East.

Eric, who stayed at one of the hotels in Cebu, could not determine if he got the dreaded virus in the Middle East or in Cebu City.

But one thing is for sure, Eric had already unintentionally spread the virus to at least 10 people in Cebu City, said Bullecer.

Bullecer said the number of OFWs that will test positive of HIV would probably soar this year. Last year, AIDS Free Philippines recorded 41 HIV cases in the whole of Cebu.

Bullecer remains adamant that condoms are not the appropriate solution to the rising HIV cases. Abstinence and faithfulness are still the best way to fight HIV, he added.

The Cebu City Health Department(CCHD) also recorded two new HIV cases last week, a male and a female. They, however, declined to give the background of the two people.

CCHD Social Hygienne head Dr. Ilya Tac-an said they are promoting the 100 percent use of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV.

CCHD had also distributed needle syringes to intravenous drug users to prevent the spread of HIV but stopped after its legality was questioned.

Last year, they recorded at least 170 HIV cases.

HIV, which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome(AIDS), still has no cure.

In Cebu City, the annual budget for 2011 has been realigned to finance HIV programs. At least P25 million has already been allocated for CCHD which can use part of the amount for HIV preventio programs. –Fatrick Tabada, Cebu Daily News