DAVAO Region has already recorded seven deaths due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids) from January to June this year.
Maria Teresa Requillo, DOH-Davao regional HIV program manager, said the data was revealed during the Connect held on Friday at SM Lanang Premier.
Dr. Jordana Ramiterre, head of the Davao City Health Office's reproductive health and wellness center, said of the seven deaths, three were recorded in Davao City from January to June of 2017, while the other four came from different provinces in the region.
The agency did not divulge the ages of those who succumbed to the disease.
Since the first HIV case reported in 1984 in the country, the region has already recorded a total of 148 deaths up to June 2017. Of this number, 109 deaths were recorded in Davao City.
In Davao City, there was also a recorded pregnant woman or one case of mother to child transmission from January to June this year.
Requillo also said there are already five treatment hubs now in Davao Region and these are located at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City; Davao Regional Center in Apokon, Tagum City; Reproductive Health and Wellness Center in Jacinto Street, Davao City; and one and only private treatment hub, the Davao Doctors Hospital.
She added that there are already 22 HIV counseling and testing facilities in Davao Region.
June Sanchez of the Davao Doctors Hospital said since some people don't want to line up to be screened for HIV-Aids, the hospital offers the whole package including the counseling and testing/screening of HIV-Aids for P830.
Requillo advised that the anti-retroviral drugs are free, through PhilHealth.