I came across a tweet from Dr. Eric Tayag of the Department of Health (DOH) wherein he revealed the latest HIV statistics in the country, as follows:
"Doc Eric Tayag @erictayagSays
#HIV alert: #DOH reports 380 new cases in January, the most number of new cases per month since 1984 Cumulative total now at 12,082."
Normally, I'd just shrug off the latest stats because I know that it would show a further increase in the number of HIV cases in the country but what caught my attention was the phrase - the most number of new cases per month since 1984. 1984 was when the first HIV case was recorded in the country.
If that isn't very alarming - then I dunno what it is. This means that more than 300 souls now harbor the virus that still has no cure. 380 persons who lives have been drastically changed. 380 persons who I am sure are going through a rough time dealing with their status.
It is very sad that the number of HIV cases in the country keeps rising and I think that it won't stop increasing anytime soon. The Philippines is only one of 2 Asian countries where HIV cases are going up.
When will the government take drastic steps to stem the rising cases of HIV? Something needs to be done - and done fast. Individually, we should find out our status as early as possible and strictly practice safe sex.
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