Rising cases: A call for HIV awareness in Ph

by Jamina Feliz Eclarinal

Today, May 18, marks the annually observed HIV Awareness Day, also known as World AIDS Vaccine Day. Contrary to the rise of cases among Filipino children and adolescents, there is a low level of awareness about the virus, making the risks grow larger.

The daily average number of confirmed HIV cases as of March 2023 is already at 54—a 411% increase compared to the number reported in 2012, according to HIV specialist Dr. Louie Mar Gangcuangco.

In a Kapihan media forum, Dr. Dennis Gregg Almonte said that the fast spread of HIV in the country is quite alarming, “in 2018, it went up to 31, then 41 in 2022, and 54 this 2023.”

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the estimated number of HIV/AIDS-related deaths in the Philippines in 2021 is at 1,200, and with the growing number of infected Filipinos this year, this number can ever grow more.

HIV—human immunodeficiency virus—is a virus that attacks a person’s immune system by destroying cells that fight germs and diseases. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which further increases the risk of infection to the body.

HIV is usually most commonly transmitted through sexual contact, others are from parent to child. In most cases recorded by the Department of Health (DOH), it was reported that the most affected age group is between ages 20 to 24 years old.

“Nearly half of the new infections will be among the youth. 16% of the estimated new infections are among 15 to 19 years old and 30% are among the 20 to 24 years old” said DOH Epidemiology Bureau unit head Noel Palaypayon.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) conducts the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) every 5 years to monitor the health situation in the country. In 2018, only 66% of women know the importance of the consistent use of condoms in preventing HIV infection and 84% know that limiting to one sexual partner can reduce the chance of contracting the virus.

In a cohort study conducted by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) in 2018, 59 out of 708 men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 18 years and above contracted HIV infection, resulting in higher incidents than other kinds of sexual partners. Due to this, the discrimination against the LGBTQ community discouraged many to get treatment for HIV for fear of harassment.

DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire said at a candlelight ceremony celebrating the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial last May 15, “we must strive to free our PLHIV from stigma and embrace them as bona fide and productive members of society.”

“Kasama ninyo ang kagawaran sa pagtataas ng antas ng buhay ng ating PLHIV at pagpapababa ng ating mga kaso sa bansa," she added.

The Republic Act 11166, known as the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018, strengthens the policies on the “Prevention, Treatment, Care, and Support” for the virus and appropriates funds for the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC).

In line with the global aim to end HIV/AIDS by the year 2030, the DOH and PNAC launched the 7th AIDS Medium Term Plan to address the increasing rate of HIV/AIDS cases last January 2023, which highlights five points: Prevent, Treat, Protect, Strengthen, and Sustain.

DOH and PNAC continue their partnerships with HIV awareness-promoting organizations such as the Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc., Pinoy Plus Advocacy Pilipinas, Positibong Marino, The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation, and Love Yourself to elevate the urgent need for a vaccine to prevent HIV infection and AIDS.

#HVAD2023 #WorldAIDSVaccineDay