12% of HIV cases acquired thru paid sex

OF THE 739 reported cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in May, 12 percent were found to have acquired HIV through “transactional sex,” the Department of Health reported.

The DOH referred to those who paid or received payment for sexual services.

According to the Department of Health’s HIV/AIDS Registry of the Philippines (HARP), 85 of the total number of cases in May acquired the virus through commercial transactions. They are aged 19 to 68.

Among those who reportedly accepted payment for sex, 19 of the 21 cases were males while two were females.