MANILA: The Philippines has registered the fastest-growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Asia-Pacific in the past six years with a 140-percent increase in the number of new infections, the health ministry and the United Nations said on Tuesday.
At the end of 2016, there were 10,500 Filipinos infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) up from 4,300 in 2010, Health Minister Paulyn Ubial told a news conference, citing data from UNAIDS.
Ubial encouraged voluntary HIV-testing and use of condoms to help fight the problem, which in May 2017 alone saw 1,098 new cases of HIV infections in the Philippines, the highest recorded number of cases since 1984 when infections were first reported.
The country can still end the public health threat by 2030 if the government can re-direct its focus on the people and locations most at risk, said Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS regional support team director for Asia-Pacific.
He said 83 percent of new HIV cases occurred among males who have sex with males and transgender women who have sex with males.
Genesis Samonte, head of the health ministry’s public health surveillance department, said men who have sex with men were most at risk.
“We’re not talking about those that are openly gay,” Samonte told a news conference. “Any male who has sex with another male for whatever reason, is at risk.”
Two out of three new HIV infections were among 15 to 24 year-old men, who she said have insufficient awareness of HIV, its symptoms and treatment.
Most of the men had their first sexual encounter at 16 years old and only get tested for HIV eight years later, she said.
Philippines has highest HIV infection growth rate in Asia-Pacific — UN
Philippines has highest HIV infection growth rate in Asia-Pacific — UN
Where We Are Going Today: Wild Flower
- The menu offers a modern fusion concept: from Italian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine with a local twist, there is something for everyone
If you are ever in AlUla and looking for a dining experience in the heart of the oasis, overlooking its lush farmlands and surrounded by palm trees, I highly recommend checking out Wild Flower in Daimumah.
What is really unique about Wild Flower is its farm-to-table concept: as you discover the different vegetables and herbs grown in Daimumah, such as eggplant, coriander, tomatoes, spring onions, arugula, and chili peppers, you get the burst of flavor from the fresh produce straight to your plate.
The menu offers a modern fusion concept: from Italian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine with a local twist, there is something for everyone.
We started off the meal with some cold mezze. The avocado hummus and beetroot hummus, served with beetroot chips, were light and refreshing as we took a break from the harsh sun under the restaurant’s shaded seating area.
We really enjoyed the watermelon salad that had an interesting mix between tangy and sweet, but the crunchy parmesan truffle fries are a must.
For mains, we opted for the vegetarian biryani, which was not anything to write home about, but the lemon garlic pasta dish, served with grilled chicken, was definitely one we would go back for.
We also really enjoyed their Moroccan-style roasted chicken, which was super juicy and spiced to perfection.
The service, although a bit slow, was OK. The staff did their best to accommodate our needs. When I ordered an iced ginger lemonade and was served hot ginger tea instead, they were happy to change the order. The spot is moderately priced and perfect for sharing if you are going with a large group.
It is also a great spot to visit solo. While there is a small entry fee for Daimumah, you can explore the farms, pick vegetables to take home, feed the goats, join an art workshop at The Nest, see art installations, and learn about AlUla’s landscape, flora and fauna — and then finish the visit with a good meal.
