Quezon’s HIV/AIDS Tragedy: 120 Dead Since 1987

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Quezon province has recorded a sobering milestone: over 120 lives claimed by HIV/AIDS from 1987 to February 2025. This alarming data, released by the Quezon Provincial Health Office (QPHO) and informed by the Department of Health’s Regional Epidemiology Unit, highlights a critical public health issue in the region.

From 1987 to the present, Quezon has seen 1,636 HIV cases, with Lucena City, the provincial capital, accounting for 429. In just the first two months of this year alone, 58 new cases emerged, underscoring the persistent risk and the urgent need for proactive measures.

The majority of cases are in individuals aged 25 to 34, followed by the 15 to 24 age group. Predominantly, men, especially those who have sex with men (MSM), are disproportionately affected, pointing to specific patterns in transmission.

Local health officials are actively urging individuals to use protection consistently and emphasise the importance of regular, confidential HIV testing, which is available free of charge. For those diagnosed, the message is clear: support and treatment are readily available. As of February, 995 patients are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), managing their condition and preventing the progression to AIDS.

The Department of Health in Quezon also points out that unprotected sexual contact remains the leading transmission method, with a significant shift towards the MSM population. Other modes such as mother-to-child transmission and needle-sharing among drug users are also under scrutiny.

The impact of HIV on the immune system is severe, leaving the body vulnerable to infections. While a cure remains elusive, ART offers hope by halting the virus’s progression. Early symptoms may mimic the flu, making early detection vital. As the disease advances, more pronounced symptoms like weight loss and persistent cough can develop.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises that HIV spreads through body fluids such as blood, semen, and breast milk. Efforts to educate and prevent are crucial to stemming the tide of this preventable epidemic.

In response, the QPHO continues to champion awareness and precautionary measures, stressing that education and community efforts are pivotal in combating future cases. The need for ongoing vigilance and support is as pressing as ever in Quezon province, as this health challenge shows no signs of abating.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Inquirer 2025-07-03