DOH eyes HIV services at primary care facilities

In commemoration of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM), Health Secretary Ted Herbosa on Friday said the agency is mulling providing routine HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) services at general primary care facilities.

Herbosa said this will help manage the number of HIV infections in the country.

“The data we have shows the way for what we do. Better health literacy including age- and culture-appropriate information and commodities for safe sex, routine HIV testing at primary care, and early access to antiretrovirals are clear directions to take,” he said in a statement.

Citing data from the HIV & AIDS and antiretroviral therapy (ART) Registry of the Philippines (HARP), the Department of Health (DOH) said the Philippines recorded 3,410 new cases of HIV from January to March 2024 with 82 reported deaths.

Of the cases this year, 1,224 were recorded in March alone with 12 deaths. The ages ranged from less than 1 year old to 55 years old with a median age of 28 years old.

Meanwhile, data showed that a total of 129,772 individuals were diagnosed with HIV from 1984 to March 2024, of which 122,255 are still alive.

Of those still alive, only 78,633 or 64% are on ART. 

According to the DOH, HIV cases are projected to climb from 215,400 cases in 2024 to 401,700 in 2030 should there be no improvement in the services for HIV, AIDS prevention, and PLHIV support.

“Seeking help at general primary care facilities linked to and coordinating with HIV treatment hubs can make a significant difference in managing the disease and improving the quality of life for people living with and affected by HIV,” Herbosa said.

The IACM is observed on May 19 to honor the memories of the many lives lost to AIDS and also to honor those dedicated to helping people living with and affected by HIV. —Joahna Lei Casilao/ VAL, GMA Integrated News