Based on latest data from the Department of Health, Metro Manila posted the highest number of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in October among all regions. Of the 1,072 new HIV cases listed nationwide, 343 were in the National Capital Region followed by Calabarzon with 187 cases and Central Luzon with 121 cases. —MARIELLE MEDINA INQUIRER RESEARCH
DID YOU KNOW: Metro Manila posted the highest number HIV cases in October
An undentified Indian Injected Drug User (IDU) who received a new syringe as part of a 'syringe exchange programme' prepares to take heroin at a hideout in Imphal on November 18, 2008. Accurate estimates of HIV indicate that approximately 2.5 million (2 million3.1 million) people in India were living with HIV in 2006, with national adult HIV prevalence of 0.36%. Although the proportion of people living with HIV is lower than previously estimated, Indias epidemic continues to affect large numbers of people according to UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS). The northeast of India which borders the opium-producing Golden Triangle of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos has been declared one of India's high-risk zones with close to 100,000 people infected with HIV, many of whom are intravenous drug users. AFP PHOTO/Deshakalyan CHOWDHURY / AFP PHOTO / DESHAKALYAN CHOWDHURY