Abalos alarmed over rise in HIV cases in Mandaluyong

MANILA, Philippines - Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. has expressed alarm over the rising number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the city.

“We have seven recorded HIV cases since January and two of them died, which is very alarming,” he told reporters, adding that three of the seven HIV patients work as call center agents.

Abalos said one of the patients died in January and the other passed away last month.

He said his administration is conducting a “full awareness campaign” at the barangay level to prevent the spread of HIV. Abalos also directed combat the deadly disease and prevent it from spreading.

Abalos also directed the city’s health department to subject all applicants for a medical certificate to a thorough examination to determine whether they have HIV.