by Jocelyn P. Alvarez
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA 9) - - The City Health Office (CHO) revealed of a slight increase in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) cases in the city with 13 cases recorded in 2011 as against 11 cases in 2010.
Dr. Kibtiya Uddin , of CHO said, of the 13 cases registered, two are females and 11 are males with ages 19 to 42 years old.
Dr. Uddin said, the CHO has documented that most common method of transmission of the dreadful disease is the so called “male to male” sex.
She said, of the 13 HIV/AIDS cases registered, 9 cases were traced to have been transmitted through “man to man” sex.
Uddin clarified that the total number of cases recoded includes transients who come in and out of Zamboanga City.
The city government is strict on its monitoring of workers like guest relations officers (GROs) and other “night workers” through regular medical checkup, Uddin informed.
The city is also active in its advocacy campaign against HIV/AIDS and gives annual HIV education to the ladies (GROs) and AIDS examination.
Meanwhile, Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag recently expressed alarmed over an increase of HIV/AIDS case reported in the month of December 2011 alone which has peaked to 268 as compared to 174 during the same period in 2010. Tayag said many of the reported cases are already in its advance stage and that 60% of the new cases were in 20-29 years old age bracket. (JPA/PIA -ZBST)