THE Department of Health (DOH) is mulling on providing routine HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) services at general primary care facilities.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa made the statement in commemoration of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM).
The health secretary said this will help manage the number of HIV infections in the country.
“The data we have shows the way for what we do. Better health literacy including age- and culture-appropriate information and commodities for safe sex, routine HIV testing at primary care, and early access to antiretrovirals are clear directions to take,” he said.
Courtesy: AFP
According to data from the HIV & AIDS and antiretroviral therapy (ART) Registry of the Philippines (HARP), Herbosa said that the Philippines has recorded 3,410 new cases of HIV from January to March 2024 with 82 reported deaths.
The DOH said that of the cases this year, 1,224 were recorded in March alone with 12 deaths.
The ages range from less than 1 year old to 55 years old with a median age of 28 years old.
Herbosa said that data had shown a total of 129,772 individuals diagnosed with HIV from 1984 to March 2024.
Of the said number 122,255 are still alive. From that, only 78,633 or 64% are on ART.
Herbosa claimed that HIV cases are projected to climb from 215,400 cases in 2024 to 401,700 in 2030.
“Seeking help at general primary care facilities linked to and coordinating with HIV treatment hubs can make a significant difference in managing the disease and improving the quality of life for people living with and affected by HIV,” Herbosa said.
