By Vir B. Lumicao
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| HIV cases among Filipinos nearly doubled last year |
Filipino human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in
The surge was mainly due to the doubling of cases involving women, of which 16 were recorded last year.
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The trend ran counter to a significant drop in the total HIV
cases in
Among Filipinos, 21 cases were due to heterosexual contact while four arose from homosexual contact. The transmission route for two others is yet to be determined due to incomplete details from the notifications.
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The spokesman reminded the Filipinos to use condoms to protect themselves during sex.
“Sexual transmission remained the major route of HIV transmission among recorded Filipino cases. Using condoms consistently and properly can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,” he said.
Filipino HIV cases in HK, 2020
Year
Male
Female
Total
2020
11
16
27
2019
6
8
14
The CHP also said that overall, the concentration of infection among male homosexuals or gays is alarming.
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“Despite a decrease in the number of reports of HIV infection in recent years when compared to the peak in 2015, a concentrated epidemic among vulnerable groups, such as young men who have sex with men, warrants our sustained attention,” said Dr Ho Chi-hin, acting consultant at CHP.
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| Ho sounds out alarm on rise in HIV infections among gays |
Of last year’s reported HIV cases that involved 418 men and 87 women, 272 got infected via homosexual or bisexual sex, 137 via heterosexual sex and two via drug injection. The transmission routes of 94 others have yet to be verified due to incomplete information.
“Sexual transmission remained the major mode of HIV transmission. Members of the public should use condoms consistently and properly so as to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV,” said Ho.
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B
Ho spoke at a press conference held Monday to give an update
on the HIV/AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) situation in
“Members of the public with a history of unsafe sex should take an HIV antibody test early. They can call the DH’s AIDS Hotline (2780 2211) for a free, anonymous and confidential HIV test. HIV-positive people should seek specialist care as soon as possible,” Ho said.
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He said the public may visit the DH’s Virtual AIDS Office (www.aids.gov.hk), the Red Ribbon Centre (www.rrc.gov.hk), the AIDS Hotline website (www.27802211.com) and the Gay Men HIV Information website (www.21171069.gov.hk) for more information.
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