BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Amidst the continuing rise of cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus /Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), the public especially persons living with HIV(PLHIVs) are encouraged to visit HIV treatment hubs for prevention, treatment and support services.
Darwin Francisco Babon, National AIDS STI Prevention and Control Program manager of the Department of Health-Cordillera, reported during Regional Implementation Team for Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health 3rd Quarter meeting that there are now seven medical facilities in the region catering to individuals needing such treatment.
These are the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), the Baguio City Health Services Office, Notre Dame de Chartres Hospital, all in Baguio City; La Paz Rural Health Unit in La Paz, Abra; Far North Medical Center in Apayao, Benguet General Hospital, and Kalinga Provincial Hospital. Babon said in spite of the availability of HIV treatment hubs in the region, convincing the PLHIV and the public in general to access their services remains a challenge.
“What is the problem, is it the accessibility of treatment when in fact we already have seven treatment hubs in the region, or still the problem on stigma/discrimination which is very difficult to prove unless we have a study to prove it?,” he said.
Babon reported that based on the latest data on HIV/AIDS cases released by the Epidemiology Bureau of the DOH, the Cordillera Region listed 94 cases from January to June 2024.
Most of the HIV cases belong to the 25-34 age group with 42, followed by the 15-24 age group with 31 belong. There were 20 cases for 35–49 age group, and one case below 15 years old. The region has now a total of 1,172 confirmed HIV cases since 1984.
The June 2024 data showed 789 are undergoing treatment and on anti-retroviral therapy (ART), while 203 have discontinued the treatment.
Sixty-five have been reported to have succumbed to the virus. Of the total number of confirmed cases, Baguio City has the highest cases with 679, followed by Bengue with179, Abra- 150, Ifugao – 49, Kalinga – 46, Mountain Province – 35, and Apayao – 34 cases.
There are also estimated 2,120 persons living with HIV in the region, as of June 2024.
Babon said the most common modes of transmission are men who have with men(684), males having sex with males and females ( 270), male-female sex (191),unknown (18), mother-to-child (7) and blood transfusion and people who inject drug with one each.
With the increase in HIV cases among 15-24 years old, the DOH and PhilHealth are studying a package for minors. Currently, the law allows 15 years and above to be tested for HIV without parents’ consent, however, there is no provision in the law if treatment can be provided to minors without the consent of parents, Babon said. (JDP/MAWC – PIA CAR)
