DAVAO CITY, Philippines – An organization catering to victims of the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, warned that cases of infection continue to rise in the city, with 34 new cases detected recently.
Alma Mondragon, executive director of Alliance Against Aids in Mindanao (Alagad)-Mindanao, said the trend of HIV cases continued to increase.
According to the National HIV/AIDS Registry, a total of 58,181 HV reported cases have been detected as of Augus this year, with an average of 31 people diagnosed with HIV per day. The registry is maintained by the National Epidemiology Bureau of the Department of Health,
As of July this year, Davao recorded a total of 2,525 cases of HIV infection and by te following month , there were 34 new cases reported.
“Given the statistics, this year’s theme is timely as it aims to solicit the commitment and full support of the people of Davao City and program stakeholders for this commemoration to create impact and ignite people to know their HIV status and under HIV screening without stigma and discrimination, and ensure that those diagnosed with HIV infection are liked to quality care and prevention services,” the Davao City AIDS Council (DCAC) said.
The DCAC would lead the observance here of the 30th World AIDS Day on December 4, in a bid to promote collective response to prevent HIV.
This year’s commemoration will have a theme of “Know your HIV Status: Get Tested, Now Na”
The commemoration begins through a Red March Parade that will jump off at Roxas St. fronting Ateneo de Davao University at 3 PM and culminates with a program at Rizal Park.(davaotoday.com)
