Health officials are pushing for more prevention and treatment awareness as 1,279 cases of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were recorded in Cagayan Valley from September to November.
Most of those afflicted with the virus that causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) belong to the 25-34-age bracket.
The youngest is aged one and the oldest 67 years old.
Ninety-five percent of the patients are men, with majority of cases acquired through transmission.
Dr. Janet Ibay of the Department of Health – Center for Health Development said in a Friday news briefing they are holding free HIV screenings every weekend in cooperation with health offices and local government units as Region 2 extended the World AIDS Day on December 1 to a month-long commemoration.
The health office is targeting workers in beauty parlors, salons, and other sectors that would like to know their HIV-AIDS status in Isabela, Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Batanes.
The awareness campaign against the virus hit a snag when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out but Ibay said she sees a renewed drive as restrictions are relaxed.
Source: Philippines News Agency
