71 new HIV cases detected in SoCot since January

Health personnel in South Cotabato have recorded at least 71 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the province in nearly three months. (Shutterstock)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Health personnel in South Cotabato have recorded at least 71 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the province in nearly three months.

John Codilla, HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) program focal person of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said Thursday the figure was based on the results of screening or testing activities since January 1.

Codilla said they recorded a total of 21 new HIV cases in January; 29 in February; and 21 as of the second week of March.

These were found among “walk-in” clients of the IPHO’s HIV/AIDS Core Team (HACT) Clinic located at the provincial hospital in Koronadal City and during the mobile screening activities in parts of the province, he said.

“There were days wherein an average of three to four new cases were detected,” Codilla said in a media forum.

He said 68 of the cases involved males mostly aged 25 to 34 years old while only three were females.

About 85 percent were not yet in the advanced stage or full-blown AIDS while 94 percent were asymptomatic, he said.

Codilla also said detected cases among minors have continued to increase, with a 13-year-old the youngest so far.

Last year, the IPHO reported at least 13 cases involving high school students enrolled in private and public schools.

Of the 71 new HIV cases, he said one reportedly acquired the disease through illegal drug injection.

“We recommended immediate drug rehabilitation to the concerned patient as we fear that he might introduce this kind of transmission if his addiction is not treated first,” Codilla said.

IPHO already recorded more than 800 cases of HIV/AIDS in the province, with 134 detected last year. At least 124 infections were confirmed in 2017.

During the first quarter of this year, three patients were reported to have died due to complications caused by advanced or late-stage AIDS.

Codilla said the provincial government has been providing counseling and treatment to HIV/AIDS patients through the HACT Clinic.

The patients receive free antiretroviral drug treatment, which mainly stops the multiplication of the infected person’s viral load and eventually prevents further spread of the disease.

The clinic, which opened in June 2016, is an accredited HIV/AIDS satellite treatment hub and considered as the first-ever facility that is funded and operated by a local government unit.