TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Jan. 8 (PIA)--With the alarming number of cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the region, the Department of Health Center for Health and Development (DOH – CHD) here has trained a support group that will reach out to people living with HIV and their families.

STI/HIV Counsellor Mikhail Zion Taggueg of the DOH – CHD said, of the 60,207 recorded cases in the country since 1984, about 898 cases are from region 2. He said the figure specifically reflects those who have undergone HIV screening.

Taggueg revealed that there others who refuse to undergo screening for fear of stigma and discrimination.

He added, there are also people living with HIV who are afraid of going to clinic because of fear having their status disclosed.

He said Rural Health Units (RHUs) here and other hospitals offer laboratory tests, check-up, and treatment, all for free, to stop the widespread of the virus.

Meanwhile, during the recent HIV Summit held in Tuguegarao City, members of the LGBT community as well as people living with HIV, who are also members of the support group, shared their experiences in their battle against HIV. They emphasized the important role of family in providing necessary support to the people infected with virus.

Taggueg said the department assured that they will exercise confidentiality of information and protect the privacy of their clients.

Based on the record, most cases are adolescents of ages 15-24 and young professionals ages 25-34 and in most cases, and men having sex with men.

As of now, there are about 341 cases recorded in Isabela, 228 cases in Cagayan, 100 in Nueva Vizcaya and 25 in Quirino and 41 in Batanes. (MDCT/GVB/PIA 2-Cagayan)