The Philippines is grappling with a sharp increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases, with the Department of Health (DOH) projecting that the number of people living with HIV could reach 215,400 by the end of 2024.
The DOH released this statement as it marked the World AIDS Day on Sunday, December 1, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies. AIDS is a shorthand for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the advanced stage of HIV.
As of September 2024, the agency said there are 131,335 confirmed HIV patients, accounting for 61 percent of the estimated total. Among these, 88,544 individuals (67%) are receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART), while 39,003 (44%) have undergone viral load testing in the past year.
On the positive note, 88 percent or 34,252 of those tested achieved viral suppression, effectively controlling the virus to undetectable levels. The data likewise reveal significant demographic insights. At least 94 percent of reported cases are male (132,776) while six percent are female (7,876).
To address the rising numbers and combat stigma, the DOH, in partnership with the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), launched the “Undetectable = Untransmittable” campaign during the 2024 Philippine World AIDS Day.
The initiative aims to raise awareness about prevention, testing, and treatment while reducing discrimination against people living with HIV.
The campaign emphasizes the availability of confidential HIV testing at primary care facilities, clinics, health centers, and mobile testing units nationwide. It also promotes the use of condoms and oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as preventive measures.
According to the DOH, PrEP has proven highly effective in preventing HIV, especially among individuals at higher risk.
“Early detection is key to managing the virus and improving health outcomes,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. “Practice safe sex, regularly undergo HIV testing, and encourage all your peers to do the same. It is only through collective action that we will be able to end the HIV epidemic.”
PNAC Executive Director Dr. Joselito Feliciano echoed this sentiment, calling for innovative, multi-sectoral strategies to address the country’s HIV challenges.
