HIV CASES TO REACH .5M BY 2030 -

Health undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag. (Photo courtesy of Rappler)

SANTA CRUZ, Manila — IF we want to arrest the increase in the number of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cases in the Philippines, we must act now before it is too late, according to health undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag.
Dr. Tayag’s statement follows reports that, from only six, the number of new HIV cases has reached 50 a day and if the sharp increase continues, the number of people afflicted with HIV may reach 500,000 over the next six years, with men comprising the bulk of patients.
Despite this, however, the test rate for the dreaded disease among Filipinos has been tagged only at 40 percent, which is way below the national government’s so-called 90-90 percent goal.
Tayag disclosed that the Department of Health (DoH) wants 90 percent of those at risk to be tested, 90 percent must be undergoing treatment, and 90 percent should have good results.
The health official added that they have already started an information campaign that advises regular testing for all those manifesting symptoms of the disease.
He continued to note that HIV cases are rising among those in the 15–24 age bracket, even though the majority of patients remain in the 25–34 age group.
“Ang problema kasi sa Pilipinas ay marami ang nahihiyang lumantad na sila ay may HIV,” a former sex worker pointed out in the vernacular.
“This is understandable because marami ang nandidiri sa sakit na ito na nakukuha sa pakikipagtalik,” she entjused.
Studies have shown that HIV may be passed on to another person through the use of shared needles, contact with infected blood and breastfeeding. (Tracy Cabrera)