ANTIQUE — Health authorities in Antique are urging residents to undergo early HIV testing and help stop stigma and discrimination as the province continues to record rising cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The Office of the Provincial Health Office (OPHO) reported a total of 69 HIV cases from January to September 2025, raising concern that the figure could surpass the 75 cases recorded in 2024 once data from the last quarter of the year are finalized.
Since 2002, Antique has recorded a total of 591 HIV cases, including six deaths reported in 2024, according to IPHO data.
Irene Duldoco, Health Education and Promotion Officer II of OPHO, stressed the importance of early testing, particularly for individuals who suspect they may have been exposed to the virus.
“The earlier, the better for those who suspect they have HIV to get tested,” Duldoco said, noting that early detection allows patients to begin treatment immediately and prevent further transmission.
She emphasized that HIV is no longer a death sentence, as patients can live normal lives by consistently taking antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), which are provided free of charge by the government.
Antique currently has two HIV treatment hubs — Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH) in San Jose de Buenavista and Culasi District Hospital in Culasi — which offer free testing, counseling, and medication. HIV testing is also available through trained community volunteers in each municipality.
Duldoco encouraged Antiqueños not to be afraid or ashamed to know their HIV status, assuring the public that all test results are treated with strict confidentiality.
“Hindi magkahadlok, hindi magmayha, kay we consider your results as private and confidential. Ikaw lang gid makamaan ang resulta ka imo nga status,” she said.
Data from OPHO showed that of the 69 cases recorded from January to September 2025, 67 involved males and two involved females. Modes of transmission included males having sex with males (53 cases), males having sex with both males and females (seven cases), male-to-female sexual contact (six cases), one case of mother-to-child transmission, and two cases with unknown modes of transmission.
By age group, most cases were recorded among individuals aged 25 to 34 years (30 cases), followed by those aged 15 to 24 years (23 cases), 35 to 49 years (14 cases), one case aged 50 and older, and one case involving a child aged 15 years and below.
San Jose de Buenavista recorded the highest number of HIV cases from January to September 2025 with 17, followed by Sibalom with nine; Hamtic and Culasi with seven each; Pandan and Tobias Fornier with four each; Patnongon, Laua-an, Tibiao, and Valderrama with three each; Barbaza, Anini-y, and Caluya with two each; and Bugasong, Belison, and Libertad with one each. Sebaste and San Remigio recorded no cases during the period, while some cases had unspecified municipalities.
Duldoco also highlighted a particularly young case involving a two-year-old child who acquired HIV from her mother, underscoring the need for early testing among pregnant women.
Health officials further reminded the public that HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, or kissing.
“Hindi naton sanda dapat pandirian… Pwede gyapon makakupkop, maka-shake hands, maka-kiss kananda kay hindi man ikaw malatunan,” Duldoco said.
HIV, she explained, is transmitted only through unprotected sexual intercourse, mother-to-child transmission, or exposure to infected blood.
Provincial health authorities continue to call on Antiqueños to get tested early, practice safe behavior, and help create a stigma-free environment for people living with HIV./PN
