CASES of human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV–Aids) in Baguio City continue to increase as health officials in the summer capital is pursuing the establishment of a satellite treatment hub under the Department of Health (DOH).
Dr. Celia Flor Brilliantes, head of the Baguio Health Department (BHD) social hygienic clinic, said based on a 2016 data, only four cases were recorded that year as compared to the 32 reported in 2017.
"Based on our BHD data, only two of our 32 HIV cases are women. There were also three cases of straight men while the majority are men having sex with men," Brillianes said.
In 2002, the city's surveillance team have seen the rise of HIV cases indicating the presence of rampant men having sex with men those involved in risky sexual behavior.
Since 1984, the DOH-Cordillera recorded Baguio City having 281 HIV cases followed by Benguet with 45, Abra with 41, Kalinga with 11, Apayao and Ifugao with 10 cases, and Mountain Province with seven
Of the 405 cases, 200 are caused by male to male sex, 107 cases involving sex with males and females, and 89 are heterosexual cases.
Starting this May, the BBHD is also set to establish a satellite treatment hub for persons with HIV-Aids.
On May 24, the BHD will conduct a candle light memorial with theme “Reflecting on our past, Preparing for our future” which will focus on commemorating those who have lost their lives and on what the various organizations in the city have done to combat the dreaded disease.
Philippine Statistics Authority meanwhile said 80 percent of women in the Cordillera when it comes to HIV awareness based on the national demographic and health survey (NDHS) in 2017.
Among the regions in the Philippines, CAR ranked first in terms of knowledge in condom use as HIV prevention while in terms of knowledge sexual intercourse to one uninfected partner, the region ranked third.
In the survey, seven out of 10 women in the region, equivalent to 76.8 percent know that limiting sexual intercourse to one uninfected partner can reduce the chance of contracting HIV.
Cordillera is also number one in terms of comprehensive knowledge in HIV prevention where one in five women surveyed age 15 to 24 years old.
Knowledge of HIV status helps HIV-negative individuals make specific decisions to reduce risk and increase safer sex practices to remain disease-free.
Among HIV-positive, knowledge of their status allows them to take action to protect their sexual partners, access treatment and plan for the future.
About 41.3 percent of women know of a place where to get an HIV test, however, among the women respondents aged 15 to 49 years old, 97.7 percent were never tested for HIV.
In CAR, only 0.5 percent of women from 15 to 49 are reportedly having two or more sexual partners in one year prior to survey.
The NDHS is conducted every five years to provide up-to-date information on fertility, family planning, maternal and child health and useful inputs to policy formulation and monitoring activities and programs on health. (with a report from Lauren Alimondo)