By Ellson Quismorio
Iligan City lone district Rep. Frederick Siao on Friday expressed "deep concern" over the south's growing number of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS) cases.
HIV (Manila Bulletin)
"As a Mindanaoan, another matter I am deeply concerned about is the spread of HIV-AIDS in Mindanao," Siao, a House Committee on Tourism vice chairman, said in a statement.
In August 2017, no less than the United Nations (UN) said the Philippines had the highest number of HIV growth rate in the Asia Pacific. HIV is a precursor to AIDS, which is incurable.
The lawmaker said that based on the most recent data from the Department of Health (DOH), the Davao Region is now among the top five regions where HIV-AIDS is rampant.
"This year, 139 tested positive from January to March. Since January 2013, 2,459 people were found to have HIV-AIDS in Region 11," Siao said.
In Region 10, local DOH data for 2017 showed that 294 were found to have HIV-AIDS, with 34 of them already showing symptoms of full-blown AIDS.
Of the 294, 108 individuals belonged to the 15 to 24 age group while 138 were aged 25 to 34.
Fortunately, there were no children younger than 15 among those infected, although there were eight who were 50 years and older, the solon said.
Citing these numbers, he underscored the need for a new government HIV-AIDS program.
"Dapat bigyang prayoridad ng mga LGU sa Mindanao ang kampanya laban sa HIV-AIDS. Huwag nawang ipagwalang-bahala ito dahil mabilis itong kumalat at damay ang maraming pamilya (LGUs in Mindanao should prioritize the anti-HIV-AIDS campaign. They should not be ignored since the disease can spread fast and affect families)," Siao underscored.
He called for heightened cooperation and coordination between barangay officials and the DOH regarding the epidemic.
HIV (Manila Bulletin)
"As a Mindanaoan, another matter I am deeply concerned about is the spread of HIV-AIDS in Mindanao," Siao, a House Committee on Tourism vice chairman, said in a statement.
In August 2017, no less than the United Nations (UN) said the Philippines had the highest number of HIV growth rate in the Asia Pacific. HIV is a precursor to AIDS, which is incurable.
The lawmaker said that based on the most recent data from the Department of Health (DOH), the Davao Region is now among the top five regions where HIV-AIDS is rampant.
"This year, 139 tested positive from January to March. Since January 2013, 2,459 people were found to have HIV-AIDS in Region 11," Siao said.
In Region 10, local DOH data for 2017 showed that 294 were found to have HIV-AIDS, with 34 of them already showing symptoms of full-blown AIDS.
Of the 294, 108 individuals belonged to the 15 to 24 age group while 138 were aged 25 to 34.
Fortunately, there were no children younger than 15 among those infected, although there were eight who were 50 years and older, the solon said.
Citing these numbers, he underscored the need for a new government HIV-AIDS program.
"Dapat bigyang prayoridad ng mga LGU sa Mindanao ang kampanya laban sa HIV-AIDS. Huwag nawang ipagwalang-bahala ito dahil mabilis itong kumalat at damay ang maraming pamilya (LGUs in Mindanao should prioritize the anti-HIV-AIDS campaign. They should not be ignored since the disease can spread fast and affect families)," Siao underscored.
He called for heightened cooperation and coordination between barangay officials and the DOH regarding the epidemic.