By JEN BAYLON
Negros Occidental, including capital Bacolod City, reported a total of 374 cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH-6) stated, highlighting a growing concern over the increasing spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the region.
The latest HIV and STI fact sheet report by DOH-6 showed a significant rise of HIV cases in the region, recording 1,218 new cases as of November 2024.
The statistics indicate that 93.92 percent of HIV cases involve males, emphasizing the gender disparity in HIV transmission.
At least 66.26 percent of the cases involve males who have sex with males (MSMs), while 14.78 percent involve males who engage in sex with both men and women.
Young people are also at significant risk, with 29.47 percent of reported cases affecting individuals aged 15 to 24.
This trend mirrors national data, where 32 percent of newly reported cases fall within this age group, while 47 percent are among those aged 25 to 34.
The primary mode of transmission remains male-to-male sexual contact, accounting for 86 percent of reported cases nationwide.
Heterosexual transmission follows at 10 percent, while injecting drug use contributes to three percent of cases.
Additionally, coinfections with STIs continue to pose a challenge.
In 2024, 12 percent of people living with HIV were also diagnosed with hepatitis B or C.
Syphilis remains a concern among MSMs, with a prevalence rate of 5.6 percent, while gonorrhea and chlamydia cases are increasing among youth aged 18 to 25.
Health officials are calling for stronger awareness campaigns and prevention programs against HIV spread, particularly targeting young people and high-risk groups.
Increased testing, education and access to preventive measures, such as condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis, are being emphasized.
As cases continue to rise, health advocates stress the importance of early detection, reducing stigma and promoting comprehensive sexual health education to control the spread of HIV in the region./JB, WDJ