Over 100 new cases of the HIV infections were recorded In Cebu City during the first quarter of 2024, according to the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas (DOH-7). Particularly, there were at least 165 new HIV cases reported from January to March. Of this number, 37 were mortalities.
In a press conference, Dr. Jaime Bernadas, DOH-7 regional director, stressed that more people may actually be living with HIV and yet may be unaware they have already contracted the virus and already live with it. This is because still only a few people submit themselves for HIV testing in Cebu City.
As was noted by DOH-7’s top official, there were cases of blood donors testing positive for HIV during pre-screening stage, but they were unaware that they have been infected.
“Mao ning alarming kay (This is why this is alarming since) we have people who do not know they are living with the virus,” Bernadas said.
Since 1984, when the first HIV case was recorded, Cebu – including the tri-cities and the localities in the province – already recorded around 9,000 PLHIVs.
In Cebu, the most common mode of transmission (MoT) is male-to-male sex, followed by people who inject drugs (PWID) with shared or uncleaned syringes/needles. The age group most affected were teens and young adults, aged from 15 to 39 years old.
“We have to promote awareness so that everybody gets to know that it is a real threat; it is around us. We all have to avoid and to prevent na mudaghan atong mga kaso dinhe sa syudad (for the cases here in Cebu to increase),” Bernadas said.
