ZAMBOANGA CITY – Regional health officials expressed alarm over an increase in the number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in the Zamboanga Peninsula for this year compared to the previous year.
Department of Health-9 data showed an average of 57 HIV cases per month in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 20 cases compared to the same period last year.
ANN Kristine D. Garcia, DOH-9 HIV program coordinator, reports about the status of HIV cases in the Zamboanga Peninsula. (DOH-9 photo)
Records also showed that there are an estimated 4,200 people living with HIV in Region 9. Of this number, only 2,268 have been diagnosed.
Most affected segment was the 25- to 35-year-old age group.
Ninety-five percent of patients were male and reportedly infected through unprotected sexual contact.
Sixty-five percent are on medication known as the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
Patients are seeking treatment in 14 HIV treatment facilities in the region.
Two treatment facilities are located in Zamboanga City – the Zamboanga City Medical Center and Zamboanga Regional Medical Center, formerly known as the Mindanao Central Sanitarium.
The Zamboanga City Health Office reported an average of 20 HIV cases per month in the first quarter of this year here.