153 HIV-related deaths hit Negros Occidental, Bacolod in 2023 | Inquirer News

Source: Inquirer.net
Author: Carla Gomez

BACOLOD CITY -- At least 153 persons died of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Negros Occidental, including this capital city, from January to July this year.

Negros Occidental and Bacolod City also have had 1,333 reported HIV cases since 1986 with 115 new cases this year, according to the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID)-Western Visayas Chapter.

Bacolod, Silay, Bago, and Talisay cities have the highest HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) cases in Negros Occidental.

The report disclosed during the World AIDS Day rites at the Bacolod City College activity center last Dec. 1 showed that 28 percent of the new HIV cases in Negros Occidental belonged to the 15 to 24 years old age bracket.

HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system that leads to AIDS, which has no cure.

This year, six new HIV cases below 15 years old were recorded in Western Visayas, the PSMID-Western Visayas Chapter report said.

Dr. Jeanette J. Umali, PSMID-Western Visayas Chapter president, said there had been an increase in HIV cases that were now affecting younger people from 10 to 19 years old.

She stressed the need to raise HIV/AIDS awareness to prevent its spread, and for education, early testing, and treatment.

"There is a need to advocate for an end to discrimination that has long been a barrier to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment," she said.

Provincial Health Officer Girlie Pinongan said there are two new HIV/AIDs treatment hubs in Negros Occidental: the Cadiz District Hospital in the north and at the Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City in the south.

Umali said they were also planning to open two more at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City and at the Valladolid District Hospital in Valladolid next year.

The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod also has an HIV treatment hub.