DOH-CHD Caraga briefs media on HIV-AIDS updates
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, June 8 (PIA) – The Department of
Health – Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) projects a rise in the number
of persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection (HIV) in 2013 if sexual
practices of those most vulnerable to the disease remain unchanged.
Dr. Gerna Manatad, Regional Epidemiologist of
DOH-Caraga said that the projected number of HIV cases in 2012 was 23,922 in
the country. In 2013, the projection is 28,072. This will be higher if the
public won’t be conscious enough and take precautionary measures in their sex
life. "We should always be aggressive in our campaign to keep people be
reminded of this disease that may put their lives at risk," she said.
In Caraga, there were a total of 32 HIV cases
recorded - 13 in Agusan del Norte, 8 in Agusan del Sur, 6 in Surigao del Norte
and 5 in Surigao del Sur, most of them are males. For the first quarter of
2013, there were 3 cases recorded, 2 in Agusan del Norte and 1 in Surigao del
Sur.
“The people living with HIV in Caraga are mostly
males with 91 percent and with age ranges from 18 to 67 years old. 91 percent
also identified themselves are MSM (men sex with men) and 12 percent are
Overseas Filipino Workers,” said Manatad.
She further revealed that among the behaviors
that put Filipinos at risk for HIV are the following: younger age of first sex;
younger Filipinos try injecting drugs; more males engage in unprotected anal
sex; unprotected sex with more than one sexual partner; most injecting drug
users share needles; and few voluntarily get tested for HIV and know their HIV
status – so many may be spreading HIV and not know it.
“In time with the 30th International AIDS
(Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Candlelight Memorial held last May 19,
2013 with the theme 'In Solidarity,' respective local government units in the
region are initiating various activities on their level to better reach the
grassroots and enhance information dissemination and cooperation among locals,”
said Manatad.
Manatad added that the DOH-CHD Caraga in close
coordination with the Municipal Health Office of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte
has conducted a short program on May 24, 2013 followed by a Mobile Voluntary
Counseling and Testing (VCT) for HIV as part of their advocacy in line with the
said memorial. “The department together with the City Health Office here and
Love Radio successfully conducted the Mobile VCT parallel to Love Radio’s Papa
Jack Live Concert held at the Capitol grounds to further enhance the HIV
screening availability by bringing program closer to the public,” she said.
Meanwhile, the DOH also intensified it’s A.S.A.P.
(Awareness and advocacy; Surveillance and strategic information; Access to
basic and comprehensive prevention services, testing, and treatment; and
Partnership in policies, programs, and projects) Strategy as their campaign to
the general public to prevent HIV. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
