A 13-year-old resident has been identified as the youngest person in Palawan to contract the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) through sexual transmission, highlighting growing concerns over rising infections among minors.
The City Health Office (CHO) and Amos Tara Community Center have warned that HIV cases continue to surge, particularly among young individuals.
CHO STI, HIV, and AIDS Program Coordinator, Ms. Regina Villapa, reported that 17 cases have been recorded among children aged 14 and below in Palawan. The youngest case involves a newborn who acquired the virus through mother-to-child transmission.
Among young adults, 391 cases have been recorded in the 15-24 age group, followed by 593 cases in the 25-34 bracket. Additionally, 187 cases were noted among individuals aged 35-49, while 22 cases were recorded among those aged 50 and above.
Puerto Princesa remains the epicenter of HIV cases in the MIMAROPA region, with 709 out of Palawan’s 1,198 total recorded cases since 1988.
The RedTop Center at Ospital ng Palawan (ONP) remains the province’s only treatment hub, currently serving 1,210 patients.
Despite free and confidential testing, many residents remain reluctant to get tested. Some are unaware of their HIV status, while others, despite knowing they are positive, refuse to seek treatment.
The CHO and Amos Tara Community Center continue to urge the public to prioritize HIV testing and prevention, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
