Health department notes rise in HIV cases in PH

A NOTABLE increase of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was recorded by the Department of Health (DOH) in September.

In a report, the DOH found 316 new cases of HIV patients in the country for the month of September only, the highest number so far in one month since 1984.

Of the number, 10 have progressed into full-blown acquired immune deficiency syndrome (Aids).

“This was 25 percent higher compared to the same period last year at 253 cases,” according to the September 2012 Philippine HIV and Aids Registry report.

In Cagayan de Oro, Councilor Dante Pajo, chair of the City Council committee on health and sanitation, said no new cases were found since July 2012.

Pajo, however, said there are a total of 42 patients already infected with HIV in Cagayan de Oro. “From 36 in May to 42 as of July 10,” he said.

In Northern Mindanao, a total of 69 patients were found positive of HIV/Aids with Cagayan de Oro having the highest number of cases.

The age group of patients found to be HIV positive is reportedly getting younger as the city recorded the youngest HIV positive, a 21-year-old patient.

The report said a large part of the cases were still acquired through sexual contact and most coming from males engaged in sex with another male (MSM).

“Homosexual contact resulted to 171 new cases followed by bisexual contact with 84 and heterosexual contact with 57,” it added.

From January to September this year, there are already 2,466 HIV cases reported with 126 already progressing to full-blown Aids.

Since 1984, there were 10,830 HIV cases in the country while 1,108 cases of Aids were reported. (Abigail Chee Kee Malalis)