Negros Oriental provincial health authorities have intensified the information and education campaign to curb the rising incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the province.

Juniefe Amada, program coordinator for HIV/AIDS of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), disclosed during the Kapihan forum in Dumaguete City yesterday that 41 new cases were reported from January to April this year, compared to only 13 for the same period last year.

A male Person Living with HIV (PLHIV) died of tuberculosis this year due to late detection, she added.

Amada called on the public to avail themselves of the free testing for HIV if they believe that they are vulnerable to the disease, especially if they are inclined towards “risky sexual behavior.”

She said the provincial government and the city government of Dumaguete are also preparing to jointly undertake a “drive-through” testing for HIV in strategic locations.

“Early detection and regular and proper treatment will extend the life of a patient, as HIV does not directly cause death, but a weakened immune system will make that person vulnerable to diseases like tuberculosis and cancer,” she said.

Asked about the causes of the spike in HIV cases, Amada said this is most likely due to the aggressive and intensified campaign to conduct free testing and provide treatment and medication to the patients.

She noted that in the past, PLHIVs grappled with stigma and were afraid to come out in the open to seek treatment.

The PHO official assured the public that they are observing strict confidentiality to protect the identity of the patients, giving PLHIVs the courage to cope with the disease.

Based on PHO data, there are 696 diagnosed cases of HIV in the province to date — 508 males and 22 females.

However, only 530 of them are regularly visiting the HIV hub for treatment and medication.

Records showed that most of the patients, or 263 individuals, were in the 25 to 34 age bracket; while three were below 15 years old. (PNA)