At least four new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are being recorded daily in the country since January this year, which means there are at least 720 HIV cases during the first six months. 

Dr. Gerard Belimac of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control of the Department of Health said the figure is almost equivalent to the 724 new HIV cases recorded during the whole duration of 2009.  

Only one HIV/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-related death was recorded by DOH last year. 

Since January 1984 when the first HIV case was recorded in the country, there were 5, 124 HIV/AIDS cases recorded in the entire archipelago with more than 300 deaths. 

Belimac said that what bothers DOH is the recorded increasing trend of HIV case among injecting drug users in the country. Metro Manila and Metro Cebu have the most number of drug users who are also HIV carriers. 

HIV is a virus that causes one to have AIDS. People living with HIV are prone to multiple complications which may cause their death. 

Belimac added the age of persons who acquired HIV is becoming younger over the past years.  

Records show that from the recorded HIV/AIDS cases since 1984, the most high-risk sector among males are those aged from 20 to 29 and 25 to 29 years old among females. 

But recent survey conducted among most-at-risk population (MARP) sectors – female sex workers, males having sex with males (MSMs), freelance sex workers, and injecting drug users –  show there are female sex workers who started having sexual contact at age 15. There were also reported MSM who started the risky sexual behavior also at age 15. 

Risky behaviors also contributed to an alarming trend of HIV/AIDS cases in the country in the past three years. These behaviors include practice of anal sex, having multiple sex partners, low condom use, and sharing of needle or syringe.

Records also show there was one HIV positive per 1,000 individuals categorized as MARP. In 2009, there were five HIV positive per 1,000 MARP individuals or one positive in every 200 MARP. 

To combat the increasing trend of HIV cases, DOH is advocating for the ASAP strategy which stands for awareness and advocacy, surveillance and strategic information, access to basic and comprehensive services, testing and treatment and partnership in polices, programs, and projects. 

Belimac, meanwhile, said the fight against HIV should also be considered not only a health issue because it is also a political and social issue. Political because the support of elected officials to policies and programs aimed to prevent HIV cases is needed while it is also a social concern because poverty is also one reason why children, especially female, started to engage in sex trade even at very young age.