Alarming rise of HIV Cases in Negros Occidental, Philippines

Alarming rise of HIV Cases in Negros Occidental, Philippines
December 20, 2022 RESZON

20 Dec 2022

Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Negros Occidental, Philippines reported that a total of 172 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases was recorded from January to September 2022 with 115 cases were transmitted through males having sex with males. 1

“The rise in HIV vases in Negros Occidental was “alarming”. The message we want to send is that it is important to get tested because early detection is the key to treatment and protection,” said Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer. 2

HIV can be diagnosed through rapid diagnostic tests that provide quick results. This greatly facilitates early diagnosis and linkage with treatment and care. However, no single test can provide a full HIV positive diagnosis; confirmatory testing is required, conducted by a qualified and trained health or community worker at a community centre or clinic. HIV infection can be detected with great accuracy using WHO prequalified tests within a nationally approved testing strategy and algorithm. 3

Read more to discover the special features of Chembio HIV Rapid Point-of-Care Assays offered by Reszon!

Reference:

  1. Eugene Y.Adiong (2022) Rise of HIV cases in Negros ‘alarming’. The Manila Times. Accessed on 14 Dec 2022
  2. Carla Gomez (2022) Negros Occidental HIV cases “cause for concern”. Inquirer.net. Accessed on 19 Dec 2022
  3. WHO (27 July 2022) HIV Fact Sheet. Accessed 19 Dec 2022