Persons who constantly change partners or are engaged constantly with different partners risk themselves to HIV-AIDS, according to their study. Most of those HIV-AIDS positive behave in such manners.
By ALEX D. LOPEZ
Davao Today
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The number of individuals infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) is alarming, a city health official said.
The reported cases of HIV-AIDS in the city is increasing compared 10 or 11 years ago, Dr. Jordana P. Ramiterre, the Head Physician of the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center or RHWC of the city health office said in an interview by davaotoday.com
RHWC, in partnership with Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and the Alliance against AIDS in Mindanao (ALAGAD-Mindanao), is a clinic and testing/screening center under the city health office that serves as an access and service center for persons with HIV-AIDS.
According to a quarterly data released by RHWC, from April to June of this year, 33 cases were already reported bringing to 295 the total number of persons positive with HIV-AIDS in Davao city since 1993.
Of the 33 cases reported in the stated quarter, 32 of the infected are males and 1 female. 17 of the said cases are youths, aged 15 to 24, a figure that according to health authorities describe as disturbing.
ALAGAD-Mindanao, an alliance of non-government organizations, people’s organizations and individuals involved in the prevention, care and support of people living with HIV confirmed the statistics given by the city health office.
Alma Mondragon, ALAGAD’s Executive Director said the numbers were only based on persons who availed themselves of the services of RHWC in partnership with SPMC and their organization.
It is believed that the figure could be higher.
In fact, the Department of Health (DOH) Region XI recorded a higher figure of 403 persons with HIV-AIDS in Davao City, from 1993 until June 2012.
The RHWC said the difference in figures is due to the fact that there are some infected persons from the city who prefer to undergo medical tests and screenings in other places.
“If they are found to be positive, the DOH in the area automatically reports the case to our region. That’s why the DOH figure is much higher compared to our data,” the RHWC chief said.
The rise of the number of HIV-AIDS cases, according to Dr. Ramiterre, can be attributed to different factors which RHWC was able to determine through a questionnaire survey it conducted more than a year ago.
Persons who constantly change partners or are engaged constantly with different partners risk themselves to HIV-AIDS, according to their study. Most of those HIV-AIDS positive behave in such manners.
Also, the increase in the number of youths infected with such disease can be attributed to increased sexual activities without protection, added Ramiterre.
“It’s difficult to monitor now the affairs and engagements of the youth, including students, given the presence of modern communication equipment that they also possess. Most of the time, parents are not aware of persons whom they are communicating with through text messages,” Ramiterre added.
Ramittere said they are giving priority on information and advocacy right now to reach various sectors in Davao, in order to increase awareness on prevention.
She said her office also caters directly to persons who voluntarily come for medical tests and screenings to determine their HIV status.
“If they are found to be positive with sexually-transmitted diseases, then we provide them with appropriate medicines. But if they are positive with HIV, we automatically refer them to SPMC for proper medication and to our partner NGOs for counseling,” Ramittere said. (Alex D. Lopez, davaotoday.com)
