9 new cases of HIV/AIDS recorded in C. Visayas

The Department of Health has recorded nine more cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in Central Visayas this year.

Dr. Jonathan Neil Erasmo revealed that nine new cases have been added to the 107 cases of people living with HIV/AIDS in the region since 1987.

Erasmo said that most of these people infected with the virus are Overseas Filipino Workers with ages ranging from 29 to 35 years old.

Further, a recent DOH survey showed that there are already 11,168 cases, nationwide, of people found to be HIV positive compared to only 6,000 in 2002.

The survey noted that groups most prone to contract the virus include men who indulge in homosexual sex, female sex workers, their clients, and drug users.

Of those who submitted to the test for the disease, the survey said that 1,171 were men who had homosexual sex; 1,136 were female sex workers, 286 were male clients, and 349 were drug users.

The survey also disclosed that for the first time in over a decade, a drug user from Cebu was found with the disease.

The health department also expressed anxiety that 8,226 of the cases reported did not actually fall under the high-risk groups, and that 4,192 cases involved females.

These figures, the health department said, indicate an apparent lack of public awareness on HIV/AIDS.

Keen on preventing a scenario here similar to that in Thailand, health department officials proposed the setting up of a nationwide network of counseling centers to educate communities, including youth groups, on the issue. — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV