HIV cases
FROM only six. the number of new HIV (human immodeficiency virus) cases has reached 50 a day in this Southeast Asian nation of English-speaking people.
And if the sharp increase continues, the number of people afflicted with HIV may reach 500,000 over the next six years, with men comprising the bulk of the patients.
Despite this, the Filipinos’ test rate for the dreaded disease is only at 40 percent, which is way, way below the national government’s so-called 90-90-90 percent goal.
Reports said that the DOH wants 90 percent of those at risk to be tested, 90 percent must be undergoing treatment, and 90 percent should have good results.
Health Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag said “may kampanya kami para maging regular na lang itong pagpapa-testing.”
He said HIV cases are rising among those in the 15-24 age bracket, but majority of the patients are still in the 25-34 group.
“Ang problema kasi sa Pilipinas ay marami ang nahihiyang lumantad na sila ay may HIV,” according to a former sex worker.
This is understandable because “marami ang nandidiri sa sakit na ito na nakukuha sa pakikipagtalik,” she added,
HIV may also be passed on to another person through the use of shared needles, contact with infected blood, and breastfeeding.
Let us act now before it’s too late.
