THE Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) in Davao City has noted 414 Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV–Aids) cases in Davao City from January to November 2017.
Based on RHWC's latest data obtained from Epidemiology Bureau of the Department of Health (DOH), out of the 414 cases, 391 are males and 23 are females. Davao City currently has 2,277 HIV-Aids cases since 1984.
There were 191 individuals aging 25 to 34 who tested positive of HIV/Aids; 162 whose ages range from 15 to 24; 51 cases for ages 35 to 49; and 50 above with seven. There are three case for ages 15 below, based on the latest data.
As to mode of transmission, male to male sexual intercourse remained on top with 235; followed by males having sex with males and females with 131; heterosexual with 44; three mothers to child; and one unknown.
Three deaths were also recorded.
RHWC attributed HIV-Aids cases to easier access to sex services, issues on sexual practices and change of behaviors among the youth. The virus may be acquired by those who engage in risky sexual behaviors.
Dr. Jordana Ramiterre, head of the RHWC, said the continuous increase in HIV-Aids cases remains a problem.
HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (anal/vaginal), transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing of contaminated needles and between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. (ICT/SunStar Davao)