Rising number of young HIV victims, DOH warns

More younger people are contracting HIV, with Central Visayas ranking second to the National Capital Region (NCR) in the number of HIV cases based on a report by the Department of Health.

Dr. Genesis May Samonte, program manager of DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau, said there is a rising incidence of HIV cases among people aged 15 to 24 years old.

In a recent report of the HIV/AIDS and ART (Anti Retroviral Therapy) Registry of the Philippines (HARP), Samonte said there is also a rising number of cases of pregnant women who are HIV positive.

In Cebu City alone, there are two reported pregnant women who are HIV positive last May.

Central Visayas recorded 108 HIV cases as of last May, with the NCR recording 303 HIV cases.

Samonte said a book on HIV should be produced and approved for distribution among students especially Grade 8 students.

Samonte said these books will be rolled out starting next month in Cebu City and Quezon City.

Samonte said it’s important for students to be aware of the risks of contracting HIV due to engaging in unprotected sex.

“We have to teach this generation that this is happening already and how they can avoid contracting it,” she said.

Samonte also said businesses can also help in their campaign by sponsoring HIV testing among their employees.

Through education, Samonte said the youth will be reminded not to engage in risky sexual activities that expose them to HIV.

Dr. Rossana Ditang, head of the AIDS Research Group of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), said intensifying HIV testing can help reduce the incidence of HIV cases.

If left unchecked, Ditang said HIV cases may reach to 133,000 and the government may spend P4 billion a year to treat more HIV infected patients.

Patients may avail through Philhealth a vaccine that can help prolong an infected person’s lifespan.