28 of 393 HIV cases in April developed into AIDS

MANILA, Philippines—A total of 393 new cases of the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, which could lead to the fatal Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), were reported in April, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In a report, the DOH-attached National Epidemiology Center on Saturday said that 28 of the new HIV cases had developed into full-blown AIDS, which is characterized by the weakening or breakdown of the body’s immune system.

The new HIV cases brought to 1,825 the total number reported from January to April this year, and 18,341 for the 30-year period from 1984 to 2014.

As part of its intensified campaign against HIV-AIDS, the health department’s National Capital Region office said it was “flooding” massage parlors, nightclubs and KTV bars, among other establishments, with free condoms and information flyers that promote safe sex.

Of the 393 new cases, 361 were contracted through unprotected sex, while 52 were contracted through needle-sharing among injecting drug users.

The Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry showed that the bulk of the new HIV cases were reported in Metro Manila (40 percent), central Visayas (17 percent), southern Tagalog (13 percent), Central Luzon (8 percent), and the Davao region (3 percent).

Ninety-six percent of the cases were males, 59 percent of them belonging to the 20-29 age group.

Ninety-three of the cases were still asymptomatic at the time of reporting, said the DOH.

Also from January to April this year, there was a total of 44 deaths reported among people with HIV, all of them male.

Last month alone, seven deaths were reported.

During the past 30 years, there were 981 reported deaths among Filipinos with HIV. Eighty-one percent, or 794, were male.

“In total, there were 116 deaths among those aged between 15 and 24, and 25 deaths among children,” the DOH said.

Some legislators, meanwhile, are pushing to amend Republic Act No. 8504, the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, with House Bill No. 3243.

Under the proposed measure, a person 15 years old and above may avail himself or herself of HIV testing and counseling. In its present form, RA 8504 requires individuals under 18 to obtain the written consent of their parents or legal guardian before they may avail themselves of HIV testing services. –Jerry E. Esplanada, Philippine Daily Inquirer

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