Fighting HIV

Late last year, the Department of Health warned that the number of Filipinos infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) might reach half a million by 2030 unless preventive measures and interventions significantly improve. Since 2020, the number of HIV cases in the Philippines has steadily risen.

- STATIC MARVIN TORT

If left untreated, HIV infection can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV weakens the immune system, severely compromising an individual’s ability to combat infections and illnesses, including cancer. Timely and effective treatment is thus critical to prevent disease progression.

Current data indicate that HIV is now among the fastest-growing epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region. Locally, new HIV infections surged by 418% from 2010 to 2022, while HIV-related deaths increased by 535%. Additionally, average daily HIV diagnoses rose dramatically, from approximately nine cases per day in 2012 to as many as 57 cases daily by 2025.

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), key drivers of this epidemic include rising infections among men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly youth aged 15-24. UNAIDS data further highlight persistently low condom usage rates and insufficient funding allocated towards preventive programs.

Cultural and religious stigma also strongly discourages young individuals from regular HIV testing, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment initiation. As a result, around 25% of newly diagnosed HIV cases are already at an advanced stage or AIDS upon detection.

In 2019, Congress enacted Republic Act 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act. Among its provisions, the law removed the requirement of parental consent for HIV testing among youth aged 15-17. It also mandated the expansion of HIV-related services across both public and private hospitals nationwide.