The Cebu Provincial Board passed a resolution asking all local government units in the province to support voluntary testing programs for persons suspected of having the human immuno-deficiency virus/acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
In its regular session yesterday, the PB also passed a resolution urging the public to submit to testing programs that would determine whether or not they are positive of HIV.
“Facts show that there has been a significant rise in cases involving people infected with HIV/AIDS,” said PB Member Arleigh Sitoy, who authored both resolutions.
Based on the recent report of the Department of Health (DOH), there are 67 people living with HIV/AIDS while 1,872 tested positive for it but have yet to show or experience its symptoms.
In Central Visayas, Cebu is at the top of the list while it is second on the list of regions with the most number of persons living with the virus nationwide.
Since 1984, at least 62 people from Central Visayas have died due to HIV/AIDS. The DOH is celebrating National HIV/AIDS Testing Week from May 11 to 15.
Government officials and members of support groups earlier urged those who suspect of having contracted HIV to undergo tests. The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) is currently offering free tests.