‘Most HIV patients are 15-34 years old’ - DOH Cordillera

Baguio City, Philippines – To counter the rising number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and prevent the situation from getting worse, the Department of Health on Cordillera is offering free HIV testing in schools across the region. 

According to the agency, the number of cases of said virus in the region has continued to rise over the past thirty-nine years and remains a health challenge nowadays.

From 1984 to September 2023, there were 1,046 confirmed HIV/AIDS cases in the Cordillera region. With said health issue, the regional health department, in partnership with other concerned agencies, is now conducting HIV testing in various schools.

Schools have been the priority since most of the infected patients, or about 60 to 70% of HIV cases the region recorded, were ages 15 to 34.

Under the Project Namnama (Nurturing Awareness, Mobilizing Networks, and Advocating to Mitigate the Impact of AIDS) program, the rollout of said initiative aims to identify HIV-positive students early and ensure they receive proper care. 

Among the schools recently participated in the program is the Saint Louis University, where students voluntarily subjected themselves for testing with one saying it is a good cause as it protects the person and their loved ones. It is better to get tested now than when the condition is worse.

As for those who want to take the HIV tests, the DOH assured the public that they are free and that the results will be treated with confidentiality.