Alarming HIV cases in Cebu City

Cebu City tops again! It is leading among highly urbanized cities that acquired a remarkable increase in HIV-AIDS cases in the country, according to the 2022 year-end report of the Department of Health (DOH).

Central Visayas has the highest number of HIV infections registered among different regions yearly. It has 8,407 newly diagnosed HIV cases as of May 2022, of which 4,993 (59%) are from Cebu City.

HIV remains a silent epidemic because only two out of 10 who are infected have themselves tested. The HIV crisis in the Philippines worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic because the government prioritized more COVID-19 testing than HIV services and treatment. Thus, in 2022 the Department of Health reported an average of 41 HIV cases daily.

The most affected population by HIV are people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers, and transgender people. Moreover, the children between two to 14 years old are infected by parents and irresponsible adults.

Anyone can get HIV, but you can take steps to protect yourself from it.

1.) Get tested for HIV. Talk to your partner about HIV testing and get tested before you have sex.

2.) Choose less risky sexual behaviors. Choose your sexual partners wisely. HIV spreads by having anal or vaginal sex without a condom.

3.) Use condoms every time you have sex. If you have a partner who is an Overseas Filipino Worker, you better take preventive measures.

4.) Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to have a partner with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Be faithful.

5.) Get tested and treated for STDs. Insist that your sexually active partner get tested and treated.

6.) Do not inject drugs. Use only sterile drug injection equipment and water, do not share your equipment with others.

Don't take chances. HIV stigma and discrimination can ruin your work, family, and life. It is a dreadful disease but can be prevented if you are extra careful and have the self-discipline. Remember that prevention is better than cure! Don’t become the next victim. Practice safe sex!