Press Release/1 December 2010
Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV continues to be a potent threat to the health of our countrymen. Countries across the globe are facing this dreaded disease and its disastrous effects on individuals, their families, the health care delivery system, and society in general.
Towards the end of 2008, an estimated total number of 33.4 million people were infected with HIV globally.
Locally, there are now a total of 5,729 HIV positive cases in the country. This represents less than one percent of our total population which means that the country is still on track to meet our MDG target of halting the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015.
Despite this, Secretary Ona warned against complacency. “Efforts should be intensified to prevent its spread,” according the Health Secretary.
Steady increases in the number of cases have been reported over the years. Twenty-two percent (22%) of all cases were recorded this year alone. This is primarily driven by risky behaviours which includes unprotected sex, among others. In every ten (10) HIV infections reported in the country, nine were acquired through unprotected sex. About of half of these infections were in men having sex with men.
“Risky behaviours are fuelled by lack of awareness on HIV,” declared Secretary Ona as he emphasized the importance of focusing information and education campaigns on the most at risk populations (MARP). He also said that there is a need to inform people about the social impact of HIV/AIDS to correct the negative attitudes, biases, and stigma heavily associated with the disease.
Likewise, he stressed the importance of supporting the needs of people of living with HIV (PLHIV). At present, a total of 1,153 people living with HIV are currently on Anti-Retroviral treatment in the government’s 13 treatment hubs. These, together with the medical and social services are given for free.
This is in keeping with our celebration of World AIDS Day aptly themed, “Light for Rights.” As health is a fundamental right, it is essential that every human being has access to accurate and appropriate information on HIV/AIDS, preventive services to halt its spread, and adequate treatment to fight the disease.
“Let us all be beacons of light in the face of darkness that it is HIV/AIDS,” concluded the Health Chief.
source: www.doh.gov.ph
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