2 HIV infections each day in WV

This is an aerial view of the 35th International AIDS Candlelighting Memorial at the University of San Agustin open field in Iloilo City on May 20, 2018. The giant ribbon on the ground is the international symbol of unity and campaign to arrest the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. PHOTOS BY JOHN CARLO SALVADOR

BY IAN PAUL CORDERO and GLENDA SOLOGASTOA

ILOILO City – One person is diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection every 11 hours in Western Visayas, or two persons every day, data from the Department of Health’s (DOH) Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit showed.

HIV causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The region currently ranks No. 5 in the country in the number of HIV/AIDS cases, according to Christine Mosqueda, DOH-6’s nurse coordinator for sexually transmitted infections.

In January this year alone, DOH registered 69 new HIV cases (65 males and four females). This was higher than the 38 cases recorded in the same month last year and the 40 cases in January 2016.

HIV infects cells of the immune system, destroying or impairing their function. Infection with the virus results in progressive deterioration of the immune system, leading to “immune deficiency.”

The immune system is considered deficient when it can no longer fulfill its role of fighting infection and disease. Infections associated with severe immunodeficiency are known as “opportunistic infections” because they take advantage of a weakened immune system.

AIDS is a term which applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. It is defined by the occurrence of any of more than 20 opportunistic infections or HIV-related cancers.

CASE FINDING

For Roberto Figuracion Jr. of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, the figures this January were a result of “better case finding.”

He explained: “More people are getting access to HIV testing either at Iloilo City’s Social Hygiene Clinic or at various testing and treatment hubs across the region.”

Figuracion observed that more people are now more aware and open to HIV testing.

Mosqueda agreed with Figuracion’s observation.

“There used to be social stigma attached to HIV testing. That is waning. Now, some people view it as something of a routine health test. Wala na gawa may nahuya o nahadlok mag-access HIV test,” said Mosqueda.

This is a good thing, she stressed, because HIV testing is an opportunity to save lives and stop the spread of the infection.

Mosqueda, however, acknowledged that there is more to do.

“Gina-work namon nga eventually wala na sang magkahuya pa nga magpa-HIV test,” she said.

LATEST STATISTICS

Of the 69 cases detected this January, 32 were between 25 to 34 years old, revealed Mosqueda.

She broke down the ages of the rest of the cases as follows:

* between 15 to 24 years old – 18 cases

* between 35 to 49 years old – 17 cases

* above 50 years old – two cases

Of the 69 cases, 49 were asymptomatic or did not show symptoms, said Mosqueda.

Meanwhile, the cumulative HIV/AIDS cases in Western Visayas from 1986 to January 2018 now reached 2,323.

Iloilo City has the most number of cases (618) followed by Iloilo province (443), Negros Occidental (403), Bacolod City (394), Aklan (154), Capiz (150), Antique (115), and Guimaras (46).

“All six provinces and two highly urbanized cities in the region reported HIV cases,” said Mosqueda.

Data also showed 237 HIV/AIDS-related deaths in Western Visayas since January 1986.

“But there could be underreporting of the deaths. It’s possible that many more have died without even knowing they had the infection,” said Mosqueda.

On the national level, DOH data showed that all 17 regions of the country reported HIV cases (52,280 as of February 2018).

HIV TRANSMISSION

HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal), and oral sex with an infected person; transfusion of contaminated blood; and the sharing of contaminated needles, syringes, surgical equipment or other sharp instruments. It may also be transmitted between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

According to the World Health Organization, one can limit his/her risk of HIV transmission through the following:

* Use male or female condoms correctly.

* Take antiretroviral drugs for pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV.

* Practice only non-penetrative sex.

* Remain faithful in a relationship with an uninfected equally faithful partner with no other risk behavior./PN

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