HIV among drug users alarms DOH

MANILA, Philippines - More than 1,600 injecting drug users (IDUs) in Cebu City and three towns might be infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) but they are not aware of their condition, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said.

DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag said there are some 3,500 IDUs in these places and 53 percent of them – the prevalence rate for IDU-related HIV/AIDS cases – might have HIV. This translates to 1,683 cases.

But based on DOH records, there are only 172 reported cases that are related to the sharing of contaminated needles from January 1984 to June this year.

“In the country, there are only 172 IDUs with HIV that were reported to us. The prevalence rate is 53 percent so if there are 3,500 IDUs (there), where are the others? They might have not undergone testing and they still do not know that they are infected,” Tayag said.

The situation has alarmed experts because the virus spreads faster among IDUs because a tainted needle is usually shared by four to six users during a pot session.

Two years ago, the DOH started recording HIV cases among IDUs in Cebu City and other towns. 

To reverse the trend, Tayag said the DOH embarked on various “intervention” programs, particularly peer counseling among those infected and those practicing risky behavior.

Another measure was declaring nalbuphine or Nubain, a narcotic pain reliever, as a prescription drug last year because it was commonly used by IDUs.

“We are working closely with various organizations and the private sector… The HIV/AIDS problem requires personal behavioral change so it is important for them to understand (the situation),” he added.