CL HIV/AIDS cases up 24.5 percent

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, — Department of Health (DOH) recorded a 24.5 percent increase in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cases in Central Luzon in June 2015 compared to the same period last year.

“There were 61 cases this year which is a significant increase from the 49 reported cases in 2014,” DOH Regional Epidemiologist Jessie Fantone disclosed.

Of the seven provinces in Central Luzon, Bulacan posted the most cases during the period with one AIDS case and 27 asymptomatic cases followed by Pampanga with one AIDS case and 17 asymptomatic cases.

Meanwhile, the rest of the provinces have no AIDS cases but have asymptomatic cases with Tarlac and Nueva Ecija having five cases each; Zambales- four; and Bataan- one.

Fantone added that their Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit had reported a total of five deaths in Central Luzon this year as a result of the disease.

As the number of HIV/AIDS cases continues to rise, DOH reiterates its reminder to be faithful to one partner, use protection during sexual intercourse, and to make sure to use clean syringe for injections to prevent contracting the virus.

It also encourages the Central Luzon populace to avail of the confidential HIV testing and counseling in over 91 testing centers throughout the region.

“The stigma of testing is there in the communities and in all settings and that is the reason why we need to put a little strategy on our regular advocacy and involve different sectors including community-based organizations. There is also a need to identify (and train) peer educators,” Fantone stressed. (PIA 3)