Phl govt asked to declare public health emergency as HIV cases surge 500%

 

DOH statistics show a continuous rise in number of new HIV cases

The Department of Health in the Philippines has proposed declaring a national public health emergency, as the number of newly reported cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Philippines shot up by 500%.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a video recorded message that on average, 57 new HIV cases were reported each day in the country in the first three months of the year, the highest in the Western Pacific region.

 “What is frightening is, our youth make up many of the new cases,” Herbosa said.

Pindutin para sa detalye

 The health chief said 95 per cent of newly reported cases were male, with 33 per cent aged 15–24 and 47 per cent aged 25–34.

“It would be in our interest to declare a public health emergency, a national emergency for HIV so the entire society can be mobilized, and the whole government can help us in this campaign to reduce the number of HIV cases,” he added.

Herbosa said that in the first quarter of the year, 5,101 cases had been recorded, compared with the 3,409 logged during the same period last year.

Basahin ang detalye!

If the rapid spread of the HIV is not averted, the number of people living with the infectious disease could rise well above 400,000, Herbosa said.

However, he did not give an explanation for the surge in infections, which had set back government attempts to hit global targets set by the United Nations as part of its campaign to end the Aids epidemic by 2030.

As of last year, there were a total of 215,00 individuals living with HIV in the Philippines.

DOH data show that since 2007, sexual contact between males has become the most common mode of HIV transmission in the Philippines.

To avoid infection, health authorities advise the combination prevention method, or the use of condom and lubricants during sex.

High-risk individuals may take the free and confidential test offered by the government. If they test positive, they must consult a doctor immediately for appropriate antiretroviral therapy.