ARMM is least HIV-infected region

COTABATO CITY --- The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) remains to be the region in the country with the least cases of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV), this according to the Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM).

However, DOH-ARMM’s Infectious Disease Cluster (IDC) head Soraida Amiril reminds the ARMM populace to remain “cautious” and “be aware” about HIV/AIDS.

“Proper education is one key because whether we like it or not, there are still cases of HIV in the region,” she said.

Amiril said it is important to educate the public in order to prevent and take steps to reduce the risks associated with HIV/AIDS.

“October 2016 records show no cases of AIDS, but there were 12 cases of HIV. 19 percent cases of HIV were from heterosexual demographics, while 81 percent came from homosexual demographics, where mostly men having sex with men,” said Amiril.

Dr.Tato Usman, said the ARMM citizens who are vulnerable to acquiring the disease were the ones who usually travel to major urban centers.

“DOH records show that at least 25 Filipinos are affected by HIV on a regular daily basis,” said Usman.

In 2014, there were two cases of AIDS and seven cases of HIV in the ARMM. However, none of these cases have been diagnosed in the region because provincial health units lack social hygiene clinics for HIV diagnostic testing, so the cases have been consulted in the nearby regions --- Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Davao Region --- where they have the capacity to conduct the screening.

But the DOH-ARMM said this will change come 2017.

“They should not be ashamed. There are preventive measures for HIV/AIDS,” said Amiril.

Accordingly, it is a must that we know our HIV status. Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once. If you are at increased risk for HIV, you should be tested for HIV at least once a year. If you have HIV, you can get medical care, treatment, and supportive services to help you stay healthy and reduce your ability to transmit the virus to others. If you are pregnant and find that you have HIV, treatments are available to reduce the chance that your baby will have the disease, the DOH said. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)