HIV-Aids ‘escalates’ in Visayas

THE Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) Iloilo chapter raised the alert level against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids) cases in Western Visayas.

Dr. Betty Polido, FPOP chapter president, said the disease has acquired an alarming level and everyone must act to stop or curb the spread of the viral disease.

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The Department of Health confirmed the rise of HIV-Aids in the region with 162 cases infected with HIV and Aids from May 1994 to October 2011. However, 44 new cases were reported as of October 2011.

Polido said the number of cases of the sexually transmitted disease is maybe higher as reported due to the stigma the disease carries.

DOH reported that Iloilo has the most number of cases with 70 while Negros Occidental follows with 50 cases. Fifteen already died in Iloilo and 13 in Negros.

Aklan has 22 cases with five deaths and seven new cases, Capiz with seven cases with three deaths and two new cases. Antique has four recorded cases with one death and two new cases while Guimaras has one.

The DOH reports also showed that most infections are acquired through sexual intercourse while the remaining two percent is through blood transfusion.

Polido said couples must practice safe sex and use condoms if possible to evade transfer of the virus. She said FPOP is active in offering counseling to women on HIV-Aids and helping secure drugs against the spread of the disease. (Lydia C. Pendon)