HIV, AIDS Cases Getting Younger – DOH

Cagayan De Oro City (PIA) – During a press conference hosted by the Department of Health (DOH) region 10 on World AIDS day on 3 December 2015 in Cagayan de Oro City, statistics showed that cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the country are increasing in younger age groups.

According to DOH Epidemiology Bureau, there is an increase of cases of HIV and AIDS from 2007 to 2015 in the age group of 15 to 24 years old. They comprise almost 30% of the total cases in the country. Meanwhile other age groups include 25-34 years old which comprise the big chunk of cases with more than 50% and age group 35 to 44 years old with more than 10% of the total cases.

According to Ian Jose Banaag of DOH region 10, of these cases 90% are male. Predominant modes of transmission include Males having sex with Males (MSM), blood transfusion and Injection Drug User (IDU), among others.

In region10, more than half of the cases recorded belong to Misamis Oriental where Cagayan de Oro City is located. Top five municipalities of HIV cases include Misamis Oriental, followed by Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Camiguin.

From January to September 2015, there had already been 65 recorded cases of HIV in Cagayan de Oro City compared to 58 cases in 2014. Meanwhile, a total of 47 cases are recorded for the rest of region 10.

However, the region is also ready with its testing facilities for people who want to get tested. These facilities include Cagayan de Oro Social Hygienic Clinic (SHC), Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC), Polymedic Medical Plaza, RITM Satellite Clinic (Malate), Cagayan de Oro Medical Center, Medisense Lab Center Inc., PDS PEME System International and Cagayan de Oro Polymedic General Hospital.

According to Banaag, DOH aims for a multi-sectoral coordination to provide a harmonized HIV response. There must be awareness and understanding on MSM and HIV, HIV testing and free treatment for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS. (JMOR/PIA10)