As for the mode of transmission, males who have sex with other males have the highest number of reported cases, with 73 new cases reported from January to March 2023 alone, and a total of 971 cases from 1991 to March 2023. The second highest number of cases  recorded were among males who have sex with both males and females, with 494 cases reported as of March 2023. There are 243 cases reported due to male-fame sex or heterosexual intercourse, while 8 cases were transmitted from mother to child. Additionally, 24 cases were recorded as being of unknown transmission origin.

Where does ZamPen stand?

ZamPen ranks 13th in the number of diagnosed HIV cases in the Philippines. Among the regions with the highest number of cases is the National Capital Region (NCR) with 27,588 diagnosed cases, followed by CALABARZON (Region 4A) with 17,717 and Central Luzon (Region 3) with 11, 108 diagnosed cases.

The same three regions in the country have consistently reported the highest number of new cases of HIV for the past 5-6 years. Looking at the trend, the number of cases has drastically increased over the years. In 2013, there were only 13 cases diagnosed per day across the country, while in 2018, it ballooned to 31 cases per day. The number rose to 41 cases per day in 2022, and in 2023, a staggering 54 cases were reportedly diagnosed daily.

Data from the Epidemiology Bureau of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU)-9 show the comparative data of the country's national and regional diagnosis and treatment coverages.

According to the HIV Care Cascade Report, as of March 2023, the entire Philippines has achieved 59% of its diagnosis coverage, and 62% of its treatment coverage.

In the Zamboanga Peninsula region, it is estimated that approximately 2,900 people are living with HIV. Out of this population, 1,621 individuals, which accounts for 56%, have been diagnosed and are currently receiving treatment. Notably, 83% of those who have undergone testing have achieved viral suppression.

“We are doing good and we are continuously trying to be better for this year,” Clarissa Jose, Nurse V of the DOH-9 Center for Health Development said. 

Viral suppression refers to the percentage of people with diagnosed HIV who have less than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood. It is important for people to be aware of their HIV status, as this knowledge allows them to initiate HIV treatment if they are infected. Consistently taking HIV medication as prescribed can lead to an undetectable viral load, which is a significant goal in HIV management and reduces the risk of transmission to others.

Ways Forward

The DOH Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development will soon launch the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PREP) for HIV. Jose encourages those who don’t want to get HIV to take PREP.

“You do not take this as easily as a vitamin. Once you want to enroll and take the PREP you have to undergo a laboratory examination,” DOH9 Nurse Jose said.

She stressed that a person should be tested for HIV and get a negative result before one can take it.

Meanwhile, an HIV self-test kit from the DOH is available in the Rural Health Units (RHU).

In the past, when an HIV test result was reactive, the blood sample had to be sent to Manila for testing, which resulted in a three-month waiting period for the region to receive the results. Unfortunately, by the time clients received their results, they had either already passed away or had potentially transmitted the virus to others.

Today, Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) has established one rHIVDA (rapid HIV Diagnostic Algorithm) or HIV confirmatory site, namely the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC). This center also serves as the first treatment hub in the region, offering free antiretroviral treatment for all HIV-positive individuals. The region is further expanding its services with the establishment of two additional rHIVDA and treatment hubs, specifically the Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center and the Corazon C. Aquino Hospital in Dipolog City. The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 9 is actively providing HIV testing training to all laboratories, aiming to enhance the accessibility of testing facilities for the community.

The health department is also adding treatment hubs in the region. In Zamboanga Sibugay, the Family Healthcare Hospital in the municipality of RT Lim is now for final assessment, the first private hospital to be a treatment hub in the region. There are also plans to launch two possible Primary HIV Care Facilities in Kabasalan and Diplahan RHUs. Moreover, the Malangas Hospital has shown interest in becoming a treatment facility. Sulu Sanitarium is another treatment facility they are looking into.

In Zamboanga City, DOH will be expanding and looking into the Mindanao Central Sanitarium and Labuan Public Hospital as additional treatment hubs before the year ends. With the additional facilities, the DOH expects to ease the burden of ZCMC.

Furthermore, the Department of Health (DOH) has been actively conducting HIV counseling and testing at various locations throughout Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen). Prior to undergoing an HIV test, individuals are required to receive pre-test and post-test counseling. This counseling serves to educate individuals about the HIV testing process, helps them understand its implications, and assists in developing a plan of action in case of a reactive screening result or a positive confirmatory result.

To support these efforts, the DOH conducts training sessions for participants who have been endorsed by Municipal Health Officers. These trained individuals play a crucial role in advocating for HIV testing and conducting HIV testing campaigns within the community.

In addition, DOH conducts IMPAC or the Inventory & Mapping of at-risk Population, Areas and Current HIV services, a random HIV testing offered in populous areas in coordination with the RHUs. The chosen areas are based on the data that were given to DOH. Their team will go to the location from around 5 pm until 9 pm or until there are interested individuals who are willing to get tested.

Call for action  

“Do not be afraid to talk about sex,” Nurse Clarissa Jose of DOH9 said.

She encourages everyone, especially the parents to talk about sex as educational, and informative as possible, to young people. So that the younger generation, as young as they are, will have informed and smart decisions for the future. The Philippines has committed to the 95-95-95 goal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in controlling the human immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection, a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If it is not treated, it can lead to Aacquired IimmunoDdeficiency Ssyndrome (AIDS).  

USAID’s 95-95-95 campaign aims to diagnose 95% of all HIV-positive individuals; provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 95% of those diagnosed, linking them to treatment, care, and support; and achieve viral suppression for 95% of those treated by 2030. (KSA/RVC/CCP/PIA9)