SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The province of La Union has recorded a decline in new HIV/AIDS cases from January to May 2023, data from the Department of Health (DOH)-Regional Office 1 as relayed by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) on August 9 shows.
 
The PHO recorded a total of 27 new HIV/AIDS cases from January to May this year, a 34.14% decrease from a figure of 41 for the same period last year.
 
The DOH-Region 1's latest figures show five new HIV cases in May, comprising of four males and one female, from the City of San Fernando and the municipalities of San Juan, Bauang, Aringay, and Agoo.
 
Tephanie Ruth Remorin, the PHO’s HIV/AIDS program coordinator, said that the decline can be attributed to the advocacy that the health office has been conducting to inform the youth about HIV/AIDs lately, including joining LGBTQIA+ Pride Month celebrations in the past few years to increase awareness and education on the virus.
 
Remorin also encouraged people to get tested to know their status, get proper treatment and avoid the further spread of the virus.
 
“Hindi kailangang matakot na magpa-check upang malaman ang inyong status. Ito ay ligtas at paraan upang maging mas matagumpay pa ang ating abbokasiya ukol sa HIV at AIDS,” Remorin said.
 
A provincial local ordinance is also being drafted by the PHO to create programs for HIV and AIDS, including processes, interventions, testing, and learning how to live with people who have HIV/AIDS.
 
The PHO also hopes that upon the approval of the said provincial ordinance, local government units in La Union can adopt the same for a more effective advocacy on HIV and AIDS. (JCR/AMB/CCMT/PIA La Union)