“There is only one reason for the big drop in newly reported HIV cases – fewer Filipinos who may be living with HIV are actually getting tested,” Defensor said in a statement.
“Thus, we may have a larger number of undiagnosed and untreated individuals out there contributing to the spread of HIV, mainly through sexual contact, without them knowing it,” the lawmaker added. Defensor said the country’s fight against AIDS has been set back by the pandemic, leaving thousands of Filipinos living with HIV undiagnosed and untreated., or the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which destroys the human body’s natural ability to ward off all kinds of infections.
Citing the Department of Health, Defensor said that although HIV still does not have any known cure, early diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy slows the progression of the virus to a near halt and reduces the risk of transmission. A total of 45,981 Filipinos living with HIV were undergoing ART as of September this year, said Defensor.
NAMercadoINQ Hoy defensor, vice chair ka pala sa health! Ano nangyari sa pera ng philhealth? Inuna mo pa ang pagpasara ng abs-cbn at pag-mimina! Magaling talaga kayo sa tongreso!
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.