The epidemiology bureau of the Department of Health has expressed alarm over the increasing number of teenagers who were getting infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Based on the HIV/Aids and ART Registry of the Philippines, the upsurge showed that from January 1984-August 2017,those affected are from 15 to 19 years old (33% are student, 32% are working and 35% neither working nor students).
There is an estimated 5,913 persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) under the “15 to 19 years of age.” Of this number, 198 are actually diagnosed, and only 239 or 4% are alive on Anti-Retroviral Therapy
According to the data, 20% percent of HIV Transmission in the 15-19-year-old age group is due to unprotected sex between males and female while 50% are males who have unprotected sex with both males and female.
“Risky behaviors start early, protective behaviors starts late,” said Dr. Genesis Samonte, manager of HIV Unit-Department of Health Bureau, during the celebration of World AIDS Day 2017 on Friday at Royal Mandaya Hotel Davao City.
She noted that there is an increasing number of 12 years olds actually having sex , doing early risky behaviors that were diagnosed and treated late.
Data revealed that at the age of 12, 10% have their first sex and at the age of 16 is the median age of first sex, at age of 17 first anal sex and 18 years old is their first use of condoms
“So they are actually having sex already when they are 12 while still in the elementary grades,” she said.
“18 years old have been identified in the recent study as the average age of condom use, meaning there is a longer length of HIV exposure on teenagers who started their sexual activities at an earlier age,” she added.
The data obtained from the Epidemiology Bureau showed that 15-17-year-olds among Male having Sex with Male (MSM) are aware on the treatment of HIV and also aware of public health facilities offering HIV services
Information revealed that among the 15-17 year-old MSM more than 60 percent of 15-17 years old MSM said that condoms are not easy to access in their communities; almost 60 percent also said they are embarrassed to buy condoms and more than 60 percent of those who are in the same age group did not buy or receive condoms.
She also pointed out the disconnect between knowing about HIV preventions and putting it to practice. “They know about HIV, but they have poor condom use and they don’t practice safe sex.” she said.
She said that there should be a priority on expanding and intensifies the prevention education and promotion of the test, and condom use to people who may be at risk for HIV/AIDS.
