PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Two are confirmed dead in Palawan, both victims of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Ospital ng Palawan’s Dr. Louie Ocampo, chief of the Medical Professional Staff, confirmed Thursday that the two were late in seeking medical treatment.
Ocampo said 88 HIV cases have been recorded in the province, and the number is increasing.
In the ONP’s record alone, the youngest HIV patient is a 16-year-old male, and the oldest, 40.
The information is now part of the reason why on Thursday the DoH-Mimaropa held the opening of the Amos Tara! Community Center in Jose Abad Santos Street in Puerto Princesa.
The HIV/AIDS community center aims to provide fast, efficient, and free services to individuals who are suspected of having acquired the disease, according to DoH-Mimaropa regional director Eduardo Janairo.
“One of the purpose of this center will be to reach out to vulnerable individuals in the community and encourage them to voluntarily submit themselves for HIV testing,” Janairo stated during the formal opening of the facility.
