CALAMBA CITY, Lagunaโ The Department of Health (DOH) continues to strengthen its efforts to curb the rise of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections.
Dr. Felices Emerita P. Perez, DOH Calabarzonโs medical officer, said that the DOH has started implementing the 85-85-85 target under the National HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP) to combat the rising HIV infections.
โWeโre slowly achieving this targetโฆ where 85 percent of all people living with HIV (PLHIV) should be screened, 85 percent of those diagnosed should be on treatment, and 85 percent of those on treatment should have their viral load suppressed or controlled because if theyโre just screened and diagnosed, without treatment, the virus continues to spread,โ Perez said.
The DOH-Center for Health Development IV-A has recorded a total of 22,142 PLHIV in the Calabarzon region as of September 2024 while up to 38,400 individuals are projected to be affected by HIV in the region.
Perez said HIV cases continue to rise among individuals aged 15 to 24. But she added that it could not be that high as some individuals could have been living with the virus for a long time but were only recently tested.
Meanwhile, 38 HIV treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities are found across the region. The facilities offer HIV treatment initiation, counseling, and support programs designed to improve health outcomes for PLHIV.
Perez added, โWe also advocate and encourage people to use PrEP or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis that can help prevent HIV infection. Before you are exposed to someone with HIV, if you are at risk, you should get screened and start using the proper medication.โ
She added that some HIV treatment hubs in the region use the rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm (rHIVda), where patients undergo a series of rapid tests designed to shorten time in getting HIV test results so that HIV patients could get immediate treatment.
These developments highlight the regionโs commitment to achieving the global 95-95-95 HIV targets by 2030, while reinforcing efforts to expand access to life-saving services, the DOH said.
Meanwhile, the DOH also assured it is actively working to combat HIV stigma through initiatives, treatment sites, and implementing educational campaigns to raise awareness about HIV. (CO/PIA4A)
