25-34 yrs.-old bracket is HIV-AIDS most affected age group in Cordillera

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Out of 99 people who tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 41 are from the 25–34 age group, making them the most affected age bracket in the Cordillera in 2023.

A record from the Department of Health Cordillera likewise showed that the same age group has been the most affected in the region since 1984. From 1984 to 2023, the group has a record of 497 cases.

Next to the group, the 15–24 age group came in second, recording 34 cases. Since 1984, the group has a record of 296.

DOH-CAR noted that most of the cases were sexually transmitted.

From January to August this year, seven already succumbed to the virus, according to Darwin Babon, HIV Coordinator of DOH-CAR.

As to the most affected areas in the region, Baguio took the first spot (44), followed by Abra (18), Benguet (17), Kalinga (8), Apayao (5), Mt. Province (4), and Ifugao (3).

In connection, Babon said two treatment areas have added up to the number of health facilities catering to said virus in the region.

These are the Abong ti Namnama in La Paz, Abra, and the recently-accredited Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center in Luna, Apayao.

Babon said Benguet General Hospital also awaits accreditation this year.

Next year, the regional health department plans to increase demand-generation activities for the HIV combination prevention strategies, train and capacitate more HIV counselors, peer educators, and community mobilizers, and collaborate with HIV community-based organizations to combat the rising number of cases in the region.

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