CAPIZ – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here has identified “males having sex with males only” as the leading mode of transmission for the 40 recorded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the province this year.
This was revealed by Health Program Officer Carlo Paolo H. Bermejo during the Provincial Health Board Meeting held on June 17.
According to the data, 28 out of the 40 HIV cases were attributed to same-sex male-to-male transmission. This is followed by male-to-female sexual contact with six cases, males having sex with both males and females with four cases, and two cases listed as “unknown.”
Of the 40 confirmed cases, 37 involved men and three involved women. The most affected age group is 25 to 34 years old with 23 cases, followed by 15 to 24 years old with 11 cases, 35 to 49 years old with 4 cases, and two cases involving individuals aged 50 and above.
Roxas City recorded the highest number of HIV cases with 17. This was followed by Pontevedra with five cases and President Roxas with four. Jamindan and Cuartero each reported three cases, while Panay, Panitan, and Pilar logged two cases each. Mambusao and Ivisan had one case each.
The PHO reminded the public that HIV testing is free and encouraged individuals to visit their nearest testing site or contact the Provincial Health Office for more information.
HIV treatment and testing facilities in Capiz include two main treatment hubs: the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) – We Care Clinic and Treatment Facility, and the Senator Gerardo M. Roxas Memorial District Hospital (SGMRMDH) – Way of Hope “Sunshine” Clinic and Treatment Hub.
Primary care clinics offering HIV-related services are located at the Roxas City Health Office – Treatment, Health, and Wellness Service Clinic, as well as in the municipalities of Cuartero, Dao, Dumalag, Dumarao, Ivisan, Jamindan, Mambusao, Sapian, Sigma, Tapaz, Maayon, Panay, Panitan, Pontevedra, President Roxas, and Roxas City.
HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system by targeting white blood cells, making the body more vulnerable to infections such as tuberculosis and certain cancers. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS, the most severe stage of the disease.
“This advocacy promotes, protects, and preserves the health and well-being of all Capisnons,” the CPHO said in a statement./PN
