Aklan posts 93 HIV cases

There are now 93 cases of HIV infection in Aklan, the Provincial Health Office said.

Sixty-nine cases are asymptomatic (presenting no symptoms), according to Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, provincial health officer.

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, causes the still incurable AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Those who suspect to have HIV or AIDS should seek medical help as soon as possible, Cuachon said in an interview on Wednesday.

“They should be able to know it through their lifestyle,” he said.

The Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital, the provincial hospital on Mabini Street here, provides free HIV screening and treatment medication.

It is a Department of Health satellite HIV treatment hub in Western Visayas.

The Health department’s HIV treatment hub in Region 6 is the Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

In the nearby Negros Island Region, it is the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.