By Charissa Luci-Atienza

Anakalusugan partylist Rep. Michael Defensor asked on Sunday, March 22 the Department of Health (DOH) to look after the welfare of Filipinos who have yet to be diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or with tuberculosis (TB).

The vice chairperson of the House Committee on Health said HIV and TB patients are extremely susceptible to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

“We have many undiagnosed cases of HIV and TB, which means they are not currently getting any treatment. We’re afraid they are highly vulnerable once exposed to the new coronavirus,” he said in a statement.

He said the DOH should also ensure that proper medical assistance will be given to Filipinos who were already diagnosed with HIV or TB amid the enhanced community quarantine that restricts the movement of people.

He said all the 156 HIV outpatient centers should stay open to attend to the needs of more than 48,000 Filipinos living with HIV.

“The DOH should see to it that all 156 designated HIV outpatient centers stay open so that those already undergoing treatment are still able to get their free supply of antiretroviral drugs,” Defensor said.

“We have more than 48,000 Filipinos living with HIV who are currently undergoing anti-retroviral therapy, plus another 1,000 new cases every month who are initiated (on the therapy),” he noted.

Citing DOH’s National HIV/AIDS Registry, Defensor said as of September 2019, there were a total of 71,778 cases, 58 percent of which or only 41,468 cases were undergoing treatment.

Defensor also noted at least 90 Filipinos are dying of TB every day.

“Now more than ever, amid the COVID-19 outbreak, the DOH should assure those already diagnosed with TB their free drugs without any interruption,” he said.

The World Health Organization said the Philippines has the world’s third highest TB prevalence rate after South Africa and Lesotho.

Defensor counted on the DOH to fulfill its promise to find and treat up to 2.5 million Filipinos living with TB by 2022, as the nation observes World Tuberculosis Day on March 24.