The Quezon City Health Department (QCHD) yesterday reported that 102 men who have sex with men have contracted sexually transmitted diseases (STD), including the human

immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the first six months of 2012.

Dr. Antonieta Inumerable, QCHD head, said that because of the situation they will establish a health clinic that will provide services mostly to men who have contracted STD and HIV/AIDS.

Inumerable said that the health clinic, which will open by November or December, will provide health services such as diagnosis, counseling and medical support for the patients.

She added that they will open the health clinic for male patients to address the high transmission rate among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Inumerable said that the health department is intensifying its campaign against HIV/AIDS in light of the increasing number of cases recorded throughout the country.

Earlier, the Department of Health included Quezon City in the list of six Philippine cities with high incidence of HIV/AIDS infection. Included in the list were Manila, Pasay, Angeles City, Cebu, and Davao.

Inumerable said that many of those who contracted the disease in the city are non-residents who visit various entertainment centers in the city.

She added that about 40 percent of those who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in various Quezon City clinics are non-residents.

Aside from the planned health clinic for male patients, the city already has three social hygiene clinics that assist HIV/AIDS patients.

There are also 100 educators who visit various barangays to educate people about the incurable infection.

An ordinance passed by the city council requires every health certificate applicant to undergo a seminar on HIV/AIDS.