50 HIV confirmed cases recorded in Kalinga; testing and treatment encouraged

Tabuk City, Kalinga – December 1 marked the celebration of the 2024 World AIDS Day and iKalingas are being encouraged by the provincial government to seek out HIV tests and treatment as the said disease can now be managed thru modern medicines.

30 decades ago, HIV/AIDS was like a death sentence. With the advancement in the medical field, new discoveries have helped in providing better treatment to those who contracted it for them to live a normal life.

World AIDS Day is being commemorated around the globe to raise awareness about the virus, commemorate the lives of people who already succumbed to the disease, and unite people to take action against HIV/AIDS.

In connection to this, the Provincial Health Office on Monday, December 2, reaffirmed their commitment to combating the deadly virus through raising awareness and providing appropriate care to iKalingas affected by the disease.

With the recent accreditation of the Balay LUMIN-AWA Treatment Hub, the office informed that the province is now ready to cater to persons who have the disease to get treatment from the hub.

As of this writing, 38 iKalingas are currently being accommodated at the hub.

The office further revealed that as per record of the Department of Health since 1984, Kalinga has recorded 50 individuals who tested positive for the virus. The number could be more as this is only for those who sought professional help.

Tabuk City recorded the highest cases with 41, Pinukpuk-4, Rizal-3, Tanudan -1, and one other whose residence was not put into record. In the Cordillera region, Baguio noted the highest cases with 691, followed by Benguet with 183 and Abra with 160.

DOH-Cordillera disclosed that some of the cases were caused by having sex with men, having sex to both genders, blood transfusion, and some infants were infected by their mothers.

Meantime, the public is being encouraged by the provincial government to break the stigma related to the disease and be an instrument to help people needing check-up to be tested for them to get access to HIV prevention and treatment.