Cases of HIV/AIDS in Cebu ‘on the rise’

CEBU, Philippines - At least 1,352 human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases in Cebu have been recorded from July 1995 to July 2014, said the AIDS-Free Philippines.

AFP national director Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer said of the total number of cases within the 19-year period, at least 28 were recorded this year from January to July, an increase of 11 cases as compared to the same period last year.

“Practically, nagka-increase na gyud ta every year. Wala pa gani labot ang records sa Cebu City Health ani,” he said.

Bullecer said lack of sustainable campaign against HIV in the country is one of the reasons that greatly contributed to the increasing number of cases every year.

“Maayo ra man ta mohimo og campaign sa sinugdanan gud. Dapat ma-sustain nato,” he said.

Since 1995, Cebu has logged at least 760 cases of HIV and 392 cases of AIDS. Some 384 cases led to the death of the patient, said Bullecer.

Majority of those infected are males (897) while the rest are females (455). The age range of the patients falls between 15 to 59 years old, according to AFP’s data.

Bullecer clarified though that the total number of cases reported are not merely coming from Cebu province.

“Naa man pod gud from other provinces like Bohol and Negros nga mo-anhi sa atoa for counseling,” he said.

“Mga 15 years ago, ang mga tawo nga na-diagnose with HIV or AIDS kay naa sa mga 30 years old or 29 years old. Pero karon, grabe nagkabata… as early as 18 years old, naa na. As early as 15, nag-engage na sila og sexual acts,” Bullecer said.

He said modern lifestyle of the young people, irresponsible usage of the Internet, curiosity of the teenagers and general lowering of morality also contributed to the increase of the cases.

Thus, massive information campaign should be sustained and incorporated to high school curriculum, Bullecer said.

He added that HIV/AIDS could be transmitted through different modes, such as sexual transmission, blood products, injecting drug users, needle prick injuries and mother to child, among others.

As of July 31 this year, AFP records show that total number of cases since 1984 is 19,596. — (FREEMAN)