QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) – Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial on Tuesday, August 29, said that the number of people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the country is rising.
In an interview with Net 25’s, Agila Balita Alas Dose, Ubial revealed that last June alone, there were 1,013 new cases, or those who tested positive with HIV.
When asked about the benefit of the antiretroviral treatment for HIV victims, Ubial said that it can help make the immune system become normal.
She explained that the anti-retroviral (ART) is not a cure for HIV, but will only stop the progression of HIV infection.
“Wala pong cure sa HIV. Ang ginagawa po [ng] antiretroviral [treatment], pinapababa nya yung viral load nung bilang ng virus sa katawan ng tao, so that, yung kaniyang immune system, ay maging normal,” Ubial said.
“Kasi kung maraming virus ng HIV ang isang tao, humihina yung immune system and ang nakakapatay sa kanya are the opportunistic infections. So hindi nakakamatay yung HIV mismo na virus. Kundi, yung mahinang immune system kung saan madadapuan siya ng ibang mga infection,” she added.
She said these were given to those who tested positive for HIV.
“Kailangan lang mag-contact sila nung ating treatment hub. We have about 64 treatment [hubs] across the country,” she said.
Ubial said they are now offering free antiretroviral for HIV victims in some hospitals.
In Metro Manila, it’s available in San Lazaro, Philippine General Hospital, Sta. Ana Hospital in Manila, Manila Social Hygiene Clinic, RITM, Medical City, Pasig Treatment Hub, Makati Medical Center, St. Luke’s Medical Center, San Bernardo in Quezon City and in the Marikina City satellite center.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ART also prevents the onward transmission of HIV.
Ubial also encouraged the public to get tested for HIV.