While the number of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2010) cases are going down, such is not the case of those infected with HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
While the overall trend of HIV incidence and AIDS-related deaths are declining globally, an increase in new cases was reported to the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) in the recent decade.
In 2012, there were only approximately nine new HIV cases every day,” wrote Dr. Louie Mar A. Gangcuango and Patrick C. Eustaquio in their collaborative report, “The State of HIV Epidemic in the Philippines: Progress and Challenges in 2023.” “In 2023, however, there were 46 cases reported daily, a stunning 411% increase in daily incidence in 10 years.”
Populations disproportionately affected by HIV are classified into key populations and vulnerable populations.
Key populations comprised 92% of the new infections in 2022, according to Gangcuango and Eustaquio. Key populations include males having sex with males (MSM), transgender women, sex workers, trafficked women and girls, and people who inject drugs (PWID).
Vulnerable populations include migrant workers, people with disabilities, people in enclosed spaces, and female partners of key populations.
Now, the bad news: In Davao Region, Davao City ranked on top of the report for highest incidence of HIV cases for same sex partners, reports EDGE Davao’s Maya Padillo. Her source of information was the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP).
During the recent Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao, it was disclosed that HIV cases among MSMs – described as those in the “productive age” (25-35 years old) – “continues to increase.”
“Why cases of MSM so high?” asked Herminigilda Escalante, spokesperson of FPOF-Davao. “The reason, in our opinion, is there is selling of bodies. These young people are now in their inquisitive level. Those who are engaged in sex for fee are not only for simple pleasure. In our observation, there is prostitution among young males in selling their bodies.”
Data from the Department of Health (DOH) in January 2023 showed that approximately 70% of all HIV cases were among males who have sex with other males, and 17% were among males who have sex with both males and females.
A “looming disaster.” That’s how a national paper columnist described the situation of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.
Dr. Rafael R. Castillo, who writes a regular column for Philippine Daily Inquirer and editor-in-chief of Health and Lifestyle, urged the government to take a hard look at the alarming statistics “and make a serious and willful effort to curb” the alarming situation.
If nothing is done, the Philippines may wake up one day as the “epicenter of a growing HIV epidemic in the region,” according to Dr. Edsel Salvaña, the director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the National Institutes of Health at the University of the Philippines.
“If we’re not vigilant, we just might be a few mutations away from a resurgence of the AIDS virus which can cause pandemic spread of the disease,” warned Dr. Salvaña, a molecular epidemiologist who’s one of the few scientists in Asia doing advanced biomolecular or genomic studies to determine the mutation of the HIV.
These days, however, being infected with HIV is no longer a death sentence. “HIV is not and should not be a death sentence anymore,” pointed out Dr. Gangcuangco in an interview. “If HIV is detected early and if the patient takes antiretrovirals early, the virus can be controlled.”
However, in order to be treated, you need to know if you have HIV. And you will only find out if you undergo HIV testing. “Testing for HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections is strongly advised for all people exposed to any of the risk factors,” said the World Health Organization (WHO) in its website. “This way people learn of their own infection status and access necessary prevention and treatment services without delay.”
However, all HIV testing services must follow the 5 principles recommended by WHO: consent (informed), confidentiality, counselling, correct test results, and connection (linkage to care, treatment and other services).
In Davao City, there are three facilities where people can go to be tested for HIV: Southern Philippine Medical Center in Bajada, Davao Doctors Hospital in Quirino Street, and Davao Reproductive Health and Wellness Center in Emilio Jacinto Street. In Tagum City, they can go to Davao Regional Medical Center in Apokon.
“HIV testing must be made accessible to everyone,” Dr. Gangcuangco urged. “The Philippines must develop the infrastructure to facilitate HIV self-screening using home-based kits. This would entail a telephone hotline for anyone who has questions about HIV or among those who might test positive using the screening test.
“Clinics must also be able to expand to accommodate HIV testing after office hours and during weekends,” he suggested. “Free HIV testing must be made available and accessible to those who could not afford it.”
According to Dr. Gangcuangco, knowing one’s HIV status is not just a right but also a responsibility. “People with HIV can live normal and productive lives as long as they take their medications and follow-up regularly with your doctor. Getting tested is not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones,” he said.
