Manila, July 10 -- Over 500 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases have been recorded and are monitored by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Negros Oriental, an official said Thursday.

Dr. Liland Estacion, PHO chief, said people living with HIV (PLWH) in the province come regularly to the treatment hub for medication and other services.

Estacion said these cases were reported over the years, starting in 2017.

"As of June 9, 2025, total cases diagnosed are 636, but only 530 of them keep returning to our hub," she said in an interview.

Of the number, 90 percent are males (508) and the rest are females (28). The youngest are three children aged below 15.

Estacion said records at the PHO showed that 59 patients were in the 15-24 ag...