THE Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV-Aids) cases in Davao City reached to 401 from January to November 2016, the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC) reported.
RHWC head Dr. Jordana Ramiterre said the December 2016 record has yet to be determined after reports from health centers and hospitals are submitted.
But from January to November last year, records from HIV-Aids and Art Registry of the Philippines showed that of the 401 cases in the city, 345 people were found to have HIV while 56 others have full-blown Aids, Ramiterre said.
Of the total cases, 381 are males and 20 are females. Davao City currently has a total of 1,736 HIV-Aids cases since 1984.
There were 207 individuals aging 25 to 34 who were tested HIV-Aids positive, 154 whose ages range from 15 to 24, 36 cases for ages 35 to 49 and 50 above with two.
There are also two cases for ages below 15. As to the mode of transmission, 208 are homosexuals, 156 are bisexuals, 35 are heterosexuals and two are perinatal.
Ramiterre earlier attributed the HIV-Aids cases to easier access to sex services, issue on sexual practices and change of behavior among young generation.
The people vulnerable to the virus are those who engage into risky sexual behaviors, casual sex, multiple-partners, frequent change of partners and the same sexual relationship.
HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (anal and vaginal), transfusion of contaminated blood, sharing of contaminated needles and between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
Ramiterre said this can only be prevented by limiting sex partners, have less risky sex, not to inject drugs, get tested, knowing one's partner's status and by using protection.
The RHWC is continuously doing its prevention education program and peer education program, among others, to curb the increase of the HIV-Aids cases in the city.