DOH finds 3,410 new HIV cases in 1st quarter

The Philippines posted 3,410 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in the first quarter of the year, with 82 reported deaths, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday. The DOH said data from the HIV and AIDS and antiretroviral therapy Registry of the Philippines showed that the newly diagnosed cases suggested patients aged from less than one year old to 66 years old with a median of 28. Eight out of 10 of them are males who have sex with males. The DOH said that current data suggest that new HIV infections may reach 36,700 by 2030, the year when the global target for ending AIDS is supposed to be achieved. Additionally, the projected number of Filipinos living with HIV may increase significantly by 2030, from an estimated 215,400 in 2024 to 401,700. The projected number of Filipinos living with HIV may increase significantly by 2030, from an estimated 215,400 in 2024 to 401,700, should there be no improvement in the services for HIV/AIDS prevention and support for People Living with HIV. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the DOH might soon provide HIV services in general primary care facilities and not just in the 224 HIV treatment hubs and primary care facilities found nationwide. —JEROME ANING