HIV cases continue to increase in Caraga region
Published May 26, 2018 12:25 pm
By Mike Crismundo
BUTUAN CITY – Health authorities have reported an increase in the number of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cases in Caraga region.
(photo by Pixabay)
However, Joy Dyana V. Cervantes, regional HIV and AIDs coordinator of DOH (Department of Health) region 13 office. said the awareness program of the agency is now “effective” as more individuals already come to health-designated offices for HIV testing and treatment.
As of February 2018 alone, out of 12 cases, 100 percent is acquired through sexual contact in which 8 (66.7 percent) is through homosexual contact, she said.
Two of these newly infected are aged 15 years old, she said, by not elaborating further details.
In February 2017, only 8 HIV cases were registered, Cervantes told the Manila Bulletin at the sideline of the media forum at one of the Convention Center here yesterday..
Since 1995 to February 2018, a total of 483 HIV cases were recorded in various parts of the region and mode of transmission of 479 patients were through sexual contact, she said.
Topping in the cumulative list from 1995 to February 2018 in Caraga region is Butuan City where 153 cases were registered, followed by Agusan del Sur with 94 cases, Surigao del Norte with 93 cases, Surigao del Sur with 85 cases, Agusan del Norte with 54 cases and Dinagat Islands province with 4 cases.
Those affected with HIV/AIDS in Caraga region are mostly heterosexuals, bisexuals and homosexuals.
With this new development, the DOH region 13 officials led by director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna Jr., urged community members, especially those who are at high risk for acquiring the virus, to submit themselves to counseling and testing in which services are free and confidential.”
“The thought of having yourself tested may sound scary for many but to know your status may be both liberating and educating,” Llacuna added.
Meanwhile, DOH region 13 officials, along with the local chief executives and all provincial, city and municipal health officers, regional line agencies and volunteers group are set to converge at LMX Convention Center here on June 21 for a Caraga-wide HIV Forum while on May 31 also this year, a Philippine International AIDs Candle Light Memorial will take place at Guingona Park here.
(photo by Pixabay)
However, Joy Dyana V. Cervantes, regional HIV and AIDs coordinator of DOH (Department of Health) region 13 office. said the awareness program of the agency is now “effective” as more individuals already come to health-designated offices for HIV testing and treatment.
As of February 2018 alone, out of 12 cases, 100 percent is acquired through sexual contact in which 8 (66.7 percent) is through homosexual contact, she said.
Two of these newly infected are aged 15 years old, she said, by not elaborating further details.
In February 2017, only 8 HIV cases were registered, Cervantes told the Manila Bulletin at the sideline of the media forum at one of the Convention Center here yesterday..
Since 1995 to February 2018, a total of 483 HIV cases were recorded in various parts of the region and mode of transmission of 479 patients were through sexual contact, she said.
Topping in the cumulative list from 1995 to February 2018 in Caraga region is Butuan City where 153 cases were registered, followed by Agusan del Sur with 94 cases, Surigao del Norte with 93 cases, Surigao del Sur with 85 cases, Agusan del Norte with 54 cases and Dinagat Islands province with 4 cases.
Those affected with HIV/AIDS in Caraga region are mostly heterosexuals, bisexuals and homosexuals.
With this new development, the DOH region 13 officials led by director Dr. Jose R. Llacuna Jr., urged community members, especially those who are at high risk for acquiring the virus, to submit themselves to counseling and testing in which services are free and confidential.”
“The thought of having yourself tested may sound scary for many but to know your status may be both liberating and educating,” Llacuna added.
Meanwhile, DOH region 13 officials, along with the local chief executives and all provincial, city and municipal health officers, regional line agencies and volunteers group are set to converge at LMX Convention Center here on June 21 for a Caraga-wide HIV Forum while on May 31 also this year, a Philippine International AIDs Candle Light Memorial will take place at Guingona Park here.