More HIV-contaminated donated blood found

MANILA – More units of donated blood has been contaminated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during the first five months of this year, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

Based on the May 2012 Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry report, there have already been 111 HIV-contaminated blood units found from the period of January to May 2012.

The figure is 41 cases higher than the same period of last year, which only stood at 70.

The DOH, however, stressed that the number of HIV positive units does not equate to the number of people with HIV.

“One blood donor can donate more than one blood unit,” said the DOH.

To recall, DOH–National Aids/Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention and Control Program Manager Dr. Gerard Belimac had earlier appealed for more responsible blood donations.

“Our main message to the public is that if they were exposed to risky behaviors, please avoid donating blood because you could be donating your blood to your loved ones, to your friends,” Belimac had said.

The report comes just days after the World Health Organization called on government and hospitals officials to make sure that all blood donations are being screened properly in order to avoid spread of diseases. (HDT/Sunnex)