ALMOST 1,300 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases were detected in the country in February 2023, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

Based on the latest HIV/Aids Registry of the Philippines report, there are 1,292 new HIV cases reported in February 2023.

"The average cases per day in February 2023 is at 47," said the DOH.

Of the detected cases, 337 individuals reported in February 2023 had advanced HIV infection at the time of diagnosis.

Additionally, the health department said there were 44 deaths due to HIV infection reported in February 2023.

Sexual contact is the most common mode of transmission with 1,277 cases.

Broken down, male-to-male sex accounted for 905 cases, sex with male and female accounted for 224 cases, while male-to-female sex accounted for 148 cases.

The other modes of transmission are mother-to-child with two, while 13 have no data available.

Almost a quarter of the new cases (294) came from the National Capital Region, followed by 253 from Calabarzon, 133 from Central Luzon, 84 from Davao Region and 80 from Central Visayas.

"These regions comprised 65 percent of the total number of cases during this period," said the DOH. (SunStar Philippines)