FOUR DECADES OF HIV RECORDS: Kalinga logs 58 HIV cases (Tabuk,49)

FEATURE

Health authorities stress the importance of understanding what the numbers represent: they are cumulative records, not the number of new infections in 2025 or necessarily the number of people currently living with HIV.

RIZAL, Kalinga – With 49 of its 58 cumulative reported human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases recorded in Tabuk City, Kalinga is stepping up the call for greater awareness, early testing and informed health decisions, particularly among young people.

The figures, covering 1984 to April 2025, were presented by Population Officer Nurse II Gerald Paul Zamora during the “Empowered Kabataan, Informed Choices: Building a Drug-Free and HIV-Aware Community” initiative organized by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Calaocan on October 18, 2026.

Tabuk City accounted for nearly 85 percent of the province’s cumulative total, while Pinukpuk recorded four cases, Rizal had three, and Tanudan had one. One additional case was classified under an unknown municipality.

The figures offer a picture of the province’s reported HIV cases over four decades, but health authorities stress the importance of understanding what the numbers represent: they are cumulative records, not the number of new infections in 2025 or necessarily the number of people currently living with HIV.

Young adults make up most reported cases

The data showed that people aged 25 to 34 accounted for the largest number of cases, with 29, followed by those aged 15 to 24 with 18, and those aged 35 to 49 with 11. The reported age range was 18 to 48, with a median age of 28.

The figures highlight the importance of reaching young people with reliable information about HIV transmission, prevention and testing.

Zamora said HIV is commonly associated with sexual transmission, but the virus can also spread through sharing contaminated needles or syringes, exposure to infected blood, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.

He emphasized the need for age-appropriate education to help young people understand the risks and make informed decisions about their health.

Rather than relying on fear or stigma, HIV awareness efforts should encourage people to seek accurate information and access appropriate health services.

Testing is voluntary and confidential

For residents who want to know their HIV status, Zamora said testing and counseling are available through the Rural Health Unit (RHU). Testing is voluntary, and codes rather than names are used to protect the identities of people undergoing the procedure.

He also clarified that a reactive result from an initial rapid HIV test does not automatically confirm infection. Additional testing is required to establish a diagnosis.

These safeguards are important in encouraging people to seek testing without fear of discrimination or unnecessary disclosure of their personal information.

Republic Act No. 11166, or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, provides protections for people living with HIV, including safeguards on confidentiality, informed consent and voluntary testing.

Treatment is available free of charge

Zamora said people diagnosed with HIV can access free medication through Balay Lumin-Awa, located behind the Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH). The RHU provides testing and counseling, while treatment and medication are available through the designated treatment facility.

He emphasized that HIV treatment requires lifelong adherence, making continued access to medication and support essential for people living with the virus.

With appropriate treatment and consistent medical care, people living with HIV can protect their health and live long lives. Early diagnosis also helps them access treatment and take steps to prevent transmission.

Awareness starts with informed choices

The HIV discussion was part of SK Calaocan’s youth development initiative, which also included the distribution of educational assistance to student beneficiaries at the barangay gymnasium.

The activity underscored the importance of providing young people with accurate health information and access to confidential services so they can make responsible decisions.

For Kalinga, the cumulative record of 58 reported cases is not simply a statistic. It is a reminder of the continuing need for public awareness, accessible testing, treatment and a community where people can seek help without fear of judgment.

As health workers continue to promote HIV awareness, informed choices and timely access to services remain key to protecting individuals and strengthening the province’s public health response.