GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III urged health workers in Region 12 to step up their awareness and surveillance activities against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
In his speech at the launching of the Mindanao-wide measles-rubella mass supplemental immunization activity here on Wednesday, Duque said the country is facing a major challenge due to the increasing number of HIV/AIDS cases in the last several years.
At 133 percent, he said the Philippines currently has the highest rate of increase in infection in the Asia Pacific region.
The Department of Health (DOH) recorded a total of 52,280 HIV/AIDS cases in the country in 2017. It reported 871 new cases in February.
In comparison, Duque said that during his stint at the DOH from 2005 to 2010, the health department only detected a positive case each day. The current infection rate, he said, has increased to 32 a day.
“During my (first) time as health secretary, it was low and slow. But now it’s fast and furious,” he said.
Duque directed local health offices to expand awareness on “safe sex” and the voluntary testing of those vulnerable to the disease.
He said it is important for young people, especially those aged 18 and above, to be properly aware of safe sexual practices, including the use of condoms. He added that cases of HIV/AIDS transmission have been high among ages 15 to 19 years-old.
DOH also recorded cases involving 13 year-olds and even younger ones due to mother and child transmission.
“So we should not let our guards down. Keep your surveillance active and monitoring systems at high gear all the time,” the health official said.
Listed several years ago as an HIV/AIDS hotspot, this city has recorded nearly 600 cases as of Wednesday.
Dr. Mely Lastimoso, disease surveillance head of the City Health Office, said two victims died this year due to the incurable disease. (PNA)
