A two-year-old child died after acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Zamboanga City.
According to authorities, the child got the disease from one of his parents, reported Inquirer.
Following the death of the child, health officers are alarmed as the prevalence of the disease in the city continues to increase. Of the 433 reported cases since 1995, 69 have died with 17 of whom reported in 2017 alone.
“It is alarming because it means that HIV/AIDS is no longer in a typical sexual transmission mode but has already affected the general population,” Dr. Kibtiya Uddin, assistant city health officer, said.
One of the modes of transmission of HIV, in particular, is mother-to-child through pregnancy.
In Zamboanga City, there are currently two cases of pregnant mothers living with HIV. Two other children, aged 6 and 7, have also acquired the disease.
“We don’t know the nutritional status of these two kids but we are looking into it now. We will try to do something to prolong their lives,” Uddin said.
