NEWLY reported Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in Central Visayas involved males who have sex with males.

In April 2019, two persons each day contracted HIV in Central Visayas, according to the latest full month report of the Department of Health (DOH) 7.

This caused the number of HIV cases in the region to reach 65 in April alone, most involving males who have sex with males. The total in the region from January to April this year is 314.

Central Visayas ranks fourth in terms of regions with the highest number of HIV cases.

Based on nationwide figures, 36 people get infected with HIV every day.

As to the mode of transmission, males who have sex with males topped the list in Central Visayas at 159 cases from January to April 2019. This was followed by males who have sex with males and females at 75 cases.

But records from 1984 showed that the main mode of transmission is the sharing of needles with 2,192 persons contracting HIV in Central Visayas.

Majority of the HIV cases are of persons aged 25 to 34.

To help control the spread, the DOH has increased the number of treatment centers in Region 7 from only three to 13 centers offering free treatments. Local governments have also stepped up their efforts on HIV prevention. (HBL)