We keep doing the same things, and expect HIV cases to decrease. This is the time to introduce innovations to raise HIV awareness, reduce HIV stigma and discrimination and to prevent the transmission of HIV.
Current Situation of the Philippine HIV Epidemic
Statistics from the DOH Epidemiology Bureau indicate that as of September 2018, there were 59,135 total reported cases of HIV in the Philippines since 1984, with 32 new cases per day. Sexual contact remains to be the predominant (98%) mode of transmission, 85% of whom were males who have sex with males. Of the 56 newly diagnosed females in September 2018, four were pregnant. Of the 954 newly diagnosed cases in September 2018, 271 (28%) were young, aged 15-24 years old.
A recent Lancet correspondence article by Gangcuangco in February 2019 recommends six steps to curb the epidemic:
1. Stigma reduction through education.
2. Increased HIV awareness among healthcare providers
3. Availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis
4. Integrase inhibitors should be used as first-line ART, such as in the combination of tenofovir, lamivudin and dolutegravir (TLD)
5. Primary care physicians should be empowered to provide HIV care to overcome geographic barriers
6. Substance abuse should be addressed and mental health be promoted
If we are not insane, then we need to introduce innovative changes to address the Philippine HIV Epidemic. Inclusive unified efforts to strengthen the collective power of all HIV advocates!
References:
DOH NEC EB HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines September 2018 accessed February 13, 2019 on https://www.aidsdatahub.org/sites/default/files/publication/EB_HIV_September_AIDSreg2018.pdf
Gangcuangco, Louie Mar A. HIV Crisis in the Philippines: Urgent Actions Needed. The Lancet. Volume 4, Issue 2, PE84, February 1, 2019 accessed February 13, 2019 on https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(18)30265-2/fulltext?fbclid=IwAR13e8EUEtkGoNS2Cp2kvRX22mMiagU_-D-7EZmsB2jrqOCoo6OC9_YLAyM
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