There have been 153 HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) related deaths in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City from January to July this year.
Negros Occidental and Bacolod also have had 1,333 reported HIV cases since 1986, with 115 new cases this year.
Bacolod, Silay, Bago and Talisay cities have the highest HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) cases in Negros Occidental.
This was reported by the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) – Western Visayas Chapter during its World AIDS Day rites at the Bacolod City College activity center Friday, Dec. 1, where a candle lighting ceremony was held for those who have died from HIV/AIDS.
The report also disclosed that 28 percent of the new HIV cases in Negros Occidental belonged to the 15 to 24 years old age bracket.
Just this year six new HIV cases below 15-years-old were recorded in Western Visayas, the PSMID – Western Visayas Chapter report added.
Dr. Jeanette J. Umali, PSMID – Western Visayas Chapter president, said there has been an increase in HIV cases that are 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 added.
Provincial Health Officer Girlie Pinongan said there are two new HIV/AIDs treatment hubs in Negros Occidental – at the Cadiz District Hospital in the north and at the Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City in the south.
They are 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, she added.
The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City also has an HIV treatment hub.*