NEGROS Occidental including Bacolod City has the most number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Western Visayas since it was first detected in the Philippines since 1986 up to September 2022.
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported this on Thursday, December 1, was declared as World Aids Day (WAD).
PHO records showed that Negros Occidental has 1,176 reported HIV cases on top of the 924 cases in Bacolod City, or a total of 2,100.
It is followed by Iloilo with 1,211; Capiz - 559, Aklan - 445, Antique - 352 and Guimaras - 120.
In September 2022 alone, Negros Occidental and Bacolod City recorded 30 cases, it added.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang again warned that those who are sexually active, especially those engaging in multiple sexual partners, should take extra precuations as there are several suspected and confirmed HIV carriers who are out anywhere and are unknown to anyone.
Health authorities assured that the identity of the HIV suspects and positive carriers are not revealed in respect to their individual rights.
The fastest Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/Aids) epidemic has been noted in the country with 105,794 confirmed cases of infections.
Most of those infected are males at 94 percent or 99,715 while only six are females or 6,068.
So far, the country recorded 6,183 deaths due to the viral disease.
The mode of HIV/Aids transmission are prevalent among males having sex with males.
Negros Occidental currently have three HIV treatment hubs the include the Cadiz District Hospital under the provincial government, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Regional Hospital in Bacolod City under the Department of Health, and another Capitol-run Lorenzo Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City.*