Over 500 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases have been recorded and are monitored by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Negros Oriental, an official said yesterday.

Dr. Liland Estacion, PHO chief, said people living with HIV (PLWH) in the province come regularly to the treatment hub for medication and other services.

Estacion said these cases were reported over the years, starting in 2017.

“As of June 9, 2025, total cases diagnosed are 636, but only 530 of them keep returning to our hub,” she said in an interview.

Of the number, 90 percent are males (508) and the rest are females (28). The youngest are three children aged below 15.

Estacion said records at the PHO showed that 59 patients were in the 15-24 age bracket; 263 individuals in the 25-34 age bracket; 170 in the 35-54 age bracket; and the rest were above 55 years old.

Common transmission modes of HIV include unprotected sex, between mother and child, and sharing of syringes, Estacion said.

Meanwhile, the PHO chief called on the public to get tested if they have doubts about having contracted the disease.

She said everything is for free and has assured full confidentiality of the PLWHs’ identities.

Estacion disclosed that during a recent meeting with Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, the possibility of establishing a drive-through HIV testing was discussed. (PNA)