Iloilo City logged 810 cases of of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from 2020 to the first quarter of 2025.
Dr. Ma. Odeta Villaruel, STI/HIV/AIDS (sexually-transmitted infections/HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome) coordinator for the city, said the figure is based on hospital and laboratory records.
Of the cases, majority or 771 were males and 39 were females.
Nearly half or 361 belonged the 25-34 age group. The second highest was the 15-24 age group with 267 cases, followed by the 35 to 49 age group (148), 50 and older (32) and below 15 years old (2).
A total of 791 acquired HIV through sexual contact and 19 through unknown modes. Male-to-male sex had the most number at 434, followed males having sex with males, and females (218) male-to-female sex (139).
To prevent the further spread of HIV, Villaruel said they have recommended several measures to Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The measures include the conduct of advocacy and education lectures in barangays and schools, and the intensified HIV testing by deploying mobile voluntary counseling and testing.
They are also pushing for the reopening of the sundown clinic, promotion of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, and the establishment a primary HIV care clinic.IMT
