The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as HIV, remains a pressing public health challenge in the Philippines, with thousands of new cases reported annually. Despite advancements in global initiatives and treatment strategies, the country continues to grapple with the persistent rise of infections, particularly among vulnerable populations. The Department of Health (DOH) reports that a significant portion of these cases is concentrated in urbanized regions, driven by factors such as socio-economic disparities, limited healthcare access, and persistent stigma. Moreover, the prevalence of late-stage diagnoses underscores systemic gaps in early detection and prevention efforts. The fight against HIV is not just about treatment—it’s about breaking barriers and rebuilding trust in healthcare for all.

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From July to September 2024, the Philippines recorded 4,595 newly confirmed HIV-positive individuals, averaging 50 new cases daily. While this figure remains consistent with the same period in 2023, the persistence of such numbers underscores the urgency of addressing gaps in prevention, testing, and treatment. A significant proportion—28%—of cases were diagnosed with advanced HIV infections, highlighting challenges in early detection and timely access to care. Since the first recorded case in 1984, the cumulative total has reached 139,662 cases.

 

A person can be susceptible to HIV regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic background (HIV.gov, 2022). However, HIV poses risks particularly to subpopulations namely males having intercourse with males (70% of cases), transgender people, and people administering drugs (Gangcuangco & Eustachio, 2023). On top of these key populations, other groups susceptible to HIV are namely migrants, people in confined areas, people exchanging intimacy, and sex trafficking victims (Gangcuangco & Eustaquio, 2023).

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The vulnerability of these groups to HIV stems from stigma. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024), people living with HIV experience bias and prejudice, referred to as HIV stigma. To briefly explain, certain attitudes and beliefs surrounding HIV hinders people, particularly groups such as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, sex workers, as well as migrants, from seeking healthcare services either to prevent or treat HIV. Moreover, behaviors that discriminate against people living with HIV often lead to patients concealing their conditions to healthcare professionals, harboring shame and negative outlook on oneself, even isolation (CDC, 2024).

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HIV can spread from the body fluids of an infected person such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids where symptoms differ depending on the stage of infection. In the early weeks, many individuals may be asymptomatic, while others experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, and sore throat. As the immune system weakens, symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, diarrhea, and cough. Without proper treatment, severe illnesses may develop including tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis, severe bacterial infections, and cancers such as lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma (WHO, 2024).

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According to WHO (2024), HIV can be prevented through:

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• Physical Methods: Condoms, medical male circumcision, and harm reduction services.

• Medical Methods: Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) such as oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and long acting options, dapivirine vaginal rings, and injectable cabotegravir. 

• HIV testing is available at clinics, community health centers, hospitals, and NGOs offering free or low-cost services. 

  • Government Program

    • National HIV/AIDS & STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP) - Promotes voluntary HIV testing, counseling and PhilHealth coverage for services.

  • Non-Government Organizations

    • LoveYourself, Inc. - PrEP services and free HIV testing at selected centers.

    • The Red Whistle - HIV education, testing, and treatment.

    • Pinoy Plus Advocacy Pilipinas Inc. - Links people living with HIV to treatment and services.

   

In particular, Electronic health (E-health), which involves digital technologies, have become the novel approach in spreading timely information and tools necessary to address HIV wherein pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV testing are made readily available due to the information distributed through digital technologies and platforms (Maloney et al. 2020). Additionally, the active involvement of the youth in e-health platforms has proven to be an effective strategy for identifying the needs of individuals at risk for HIV. Through their engagement, digital tools can better capture data on healthcare access, preferences, and barriers to treatment, which ultimately helps in tailoring interventions to meet specific community needs. This increased engagement expands the reach and utilization of HIV prevention and care services, ensuring that timely and relevant information is accessible to those who need it most (Giovenco et al., 2021).

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Effective implementation of HIV awareness campaigns aimed to destigmatize HIV, increased responsiveness of the healthcare system to rising HIV cases, and a wider access of key vulnerable populations to HIV interventions serve as the primary roles of technology and innovation in response to the HIV epidemic. Education and media plays an essential role in addressing these issues. Comprehensive educational programs aim to clarify individuals about HIV transmission, emphasizing the importance of testing, prevention, and treatment. In addition, the media  can break down stereotypes through responsible reporting, and provide accurate information to correct misconceptions. 

In conclusion, addressing HIV/AIDS in the Philippines demands a holistic and sustained approach that focuses on education, healthcare accessibility, and the eradication of stigma. The continued rise in cases, particularly among vulnerable populations, underscores systemic gaps in prevention, early detection, and treatment that must be urgently addressed. Through comprehensive education programs, responsible media reporting, and robust community engagement, misconceptions about HIV transmission can be dismantled, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance. Collaborative efforts from the government, non-government organizations, and the private sector must align to enhance healthcare services, support those living with HIV, and destigmatize the condition. 

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Only by empowering individuals through accessible and inclusive interventions can we overcome barriers that perpetuate the situation at hand. Let us remember that combating and raising awareness is not just a medical challenge but a societal one—requiring empathy, action, and unity. HIV/AIDS doesn't discriminate, and neither should we—let's stand together to #EndTheStigma and support a healthier, more informed society.