39 new HIV-Aids cases recorded in Davao City

THE Davao City Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) recorded a total of 39 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-Aids) obtained through sexual intercourse in Davao City for January and February 2019 alone.

Based on the data from the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau provided by Eddie Batoon, Community Health Outreach Worker of Aids Society of the Philippines–RHWC, of this figure, 15 were reported in January while 24 are in February. By gender, 35 are male while four are female.

In HIV-Aids cases by age group, for 15 to 24 age bracket, the health department noted 17 individuals who were tested positive; 19 for age 25 to 34, and three for 35 to 49.

For the mode of transmission, males having sex with males topped the list with 17 individuals, followed by males having sex with males and females (14), male-female sex only (seven), and one unknown.

Since 1984 up to present, a total of 2,704 HIV-Aids cases -- 143 females and 2,561 males -- were recorded in Davao City.

The data likewise showed that as of February 2019, a total of 1,455 people living with HIV (PLHIV) have accessed the treatment or has been taking medicines – the free Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). While the rest, after testing, did not come back or avail of the free treatment provided by the government.

Though the rising number is considered alarming, however, they look at this a challenge, especially for advocates, on how to entice those vulnerable individuals engaging in risky sex and those positive of HIV-Aids to subject themselves into testing and start taking ART.

However, for this year they recorded one death so far but Batoon could only surmise that it was maybe because the person did not continue his or her treatment and has developed into full-blown Aids. But this data is under-recorded. There is a possibility that there were more deaths but were not reported to their office.

In 2018 data, from January to December 2018, there have been a total of 368 new cases of HIV-Aids in Davao region.

Every month, they average at least 30 to 50 clients per day for HIV testing. They are glad though that more people are aware of the free testing that RHWC is offering. He assured that the supply for medicines is sufficient to cater to the demand of their clients.

Batoon added that although the stigma still exists, they continue to strengthen their awareness campaign especially down to the grassroots level to promote HIV testing and responsible sexual behavior.

“Aside sa testing nga ginabuhat sa RHWC, nagabuhat pod mi og testing outside the facility. Sa school, sa workplace, sa community or one on one using approach na community-based HIV screening. One of the strategies to fast-track testing, naay mga trained nga non-medical personnel who will conduct HIV screening (We also do testing outside the facility through our community-based HIV screening. One of our strategies to fast-track testing is to train non-medical personnel to conduct the screening),” he said.