A 13-year-old resident has become the youngest in Palawan to get infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) through sexual transmission.

In a report by JB Juanich for GMA's Super Radyo Palawan DYSP, the City Health Office (CHO) and Amos Tara Community Center have warned HIV cases continue to increase, especially among minors.

According to Ms. Regina Villapa, sexually transmitted infections (STI), HIV, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) Program Coordinator of CHO, 17 cases of HIV have been recorded among children up to 14 years old in Palawan.

The youngest patient is a newborn who contracted the virus through mother-to-child transmission.

HIV cases are also high among young adults, with 391 cases recorded in the 15-24 age group, followed by 593 cases in the 25-34 age group, 187 in the 35-49 age group, and 22 cases among individuals aged 50 and above.

Puerto Princesa has the most number of recorded HIV cases in the MIMAROPA region, with 709 cases out of Palawan’s total of 1,198 since 1988.

The RedTop Center at Ospital ng Palawan (ONP) remains the province’s only treatment hub, serving 1,210 patients, as of this writing.

Despite free HIV testing, health officials noted that many residents are still hesitant to get tested.

Some are unaware of their HIV status, while others, despite knowing they are positive, refuse to seek treatment.

The City Health Office and Amos Tara Community Center continue to urge the public to get tested and take preventive measures against HIV, emphasizing that testing is confidential and free.