AT LEAST six individuals were found out to be positive of HIV/AIDS in the province for the past three years based on the records of Benguet General Hospital.
During the 3rd La Trinidad World Aids Day Celebration, BeGH Chief, Dr. Maria Imelda Ulep disclosed these cases were discovered during a medical check-up.
"In 2014, there were 84 individuals who have undergone blood screening and two males came out reactive of HIV and was eventually reported positive of HIV/AIDS after laboratory confirmation was conducted," Ulep said.
In 2015, the 57 individuals who underwent screening turned out negative, the chief added.
Ulep however said three other individuals were found to be positive of HIV from the 64 individuals who were screened this year while the lone female will still need further clinical test.
"They are already referred to the treatment hub at the Baguio General Hospital," she said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Julius Alcala of the Department of Health-CAR said cases HIV/AIDS is at an alarming level with particularly in the 20 – 25 age group.
Alcala added the mode of transmission in most of these cases involved men having sex with men, multiple sex partners, infected needle sharing, mother to child infection and blood product transfusion and other factors such as sexual contact with infected Overseas Filipino Workers and having transactional intercourse.
Despite this, Alcala emphasized their agency and other stakeholders will not stop in advocating information and education campaigns on prevention and awareness to combat HIV/AIDS.
Alcala also said from 2014 to October, 97 percent of the HIV/AIDS victims aged 1 - 78 are under medication.
"From more than 38,000 infected nationwide, only 18,000 undergo medication," added Alcala.
Alcala revealed while only case were recorded yearly since 2008.
The number of infected with HIV/AIDS grew ten folds as 26 cases are reported daily for this year alone.
Meanwhile, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda together with Vice Mayor Joey Marrero emphasized the town’s commitment in eradicating the disease, increase awareness, and fostering understanding to the victims. (Elamae Membrere)