Concern over rise in HIV infections in the Philippines

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MANILA: According to the United Nations, the Philippines is one of nine countries where HIV cases are rising at an alarming level.

HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, damages the immune system, and prevents the body from fighting potentially life-threatening diseases. The virus is transmitted sexually, by contact with infected blood, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding.

According to a UNAIDS report, new incidents of HIV infections around the world halved between the years 2001 and 2011. But in the Philippines, the number of new infections has risen by 25 per cent.

John P, who wants to remain anonymous, is one of a growing number in the Philippines who have tested HIV positive. Finding out he was HIV positive was one of the worst moments of John P’s life.

“When I knew, I broke down and called one of my closest friends and I was really crying over the phone, because I was just alone at that time,” he said.

Official data from the Philippines’ Department of Health also shows that the number of reported cases has ballooned from 250 in 2008 to over 3,330 cases in 2012. This figure does not include the number of unreported cases, which UNAIDS suspects are in the tens of thousands.

LACK OF AWARENESS

Public health officials attribute this increase to a lack of awareness and existing taboos that discourage people from getting tested.

“Every agency of the government is doing their share, but the biggest challenge is the stigma attached to that,” said Aureo de Castro, a volunteer at Positive Action Foundation Philippines (PAFPI). “It’s the stigma that they won’t be accepted by their family members.”

Experts say the key to stopping the rapid spread of HIV is education and contraceptive use, which remains low here. UN data in the Philippines shows that less than 40 per cent of men who have relations with men use condoms.

For John, the brutal nature of HIV infection is all too real. He suspects a number of his friends died from HIV-related complications. But he does not know for certain since they were never tested for the virus.

“I’ll just hear about a friend who passed away and then when you try to check on the details, you just figure it out that he might have had that,” he said.

More local non-profit groups have set up across the capital to reach out to those living with HIV. PAFPI is one such organisation that is run by volunteers who are HIV positive.

Organisations such as PAFPI have come a long way in lifting the social stigma and misconceptions associated with HIV. They offer shelter, counselling, support groups and information for people who want to know more in a safe environment.

As more shelters like this are set up across the Philippines, individuals living with HIV can start to find solace and support in communities where many continue to feel ostracised.

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