Latest data from the Department of Health showed that Metro Manila posted the highest number of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases from July to August, compared to the other regions. Of the 1,962 new HIV cases nationwide, 37 percent or 732 cases were from the National Capital Region. The second highest was Region 4A with 18 percent or 344 cases reported during the same period. —Marielle Medina
DID YOU KNOW: Metro Manila HIV cases
This picture taken on December 7, 2016 shows nurse and clinic coordinator Karlo Barsales (R) extracting blood from an individual undergoing HIV testing at the LoveYourself Anglo Center in Manila. HIV infections among men having sex with men in the Philippines have surged 10-fold in five years, with authorities largely ignoring the problem, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on December 8. / AFP PHOTO / NOEL CELIS AND Noel CELIS