The bigger problem is that there are myths about how the virus is transmitted, further adding to the stigma about HIV and to the persons living with it. Antiretroviral therapy or ART keeps PLHIV healthy and greatly lowers their chance of infecting others.Ī lot of people still do not know how HIV is transmitted, and this usually leads to them being more vulnerable to the virus. But with proper medical treatment, HIV in the body can be controlled, and the lives of people living with HIV (PLHIV) can be prolonged to close to the lifespan of someone who does not have HIV. No effective cure currently exists for HIV. AIDS is the most severe phase of HIV infection, but not all HIV infections progress to AIDS. Once opportunistic infections take advantage of a very weak immune system, this might signal that the person has acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. If untreated, the virus reduces the number of CD4 cells, making the body unable to fight off infections and diseases. It is a virus spread through certain body fluids that attacks the body’s immune system, particularly the CD4 cells (also known as T cells) which help the immune system fight off infections. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. Our HIV situation is a public health concern, and we all need to take part in addressing this problem. In fact, the Philippines had the fastest growing HIV epidemic in Asia Pacific, with 32 recorded cases every day. This is because stigma and discrimination have prevented us from asking questions that really matter and providing solutions that actually work.ĭespite the global trend in the decline of HIV incidents, the Philippines remains one of only nine countries in the world that recorded a more than 25 percent increase in HIV incidence. We have an HIV epidemic most Filipinos are too shy, too unaware, or too afraid to talk about.
With the passage of the new Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Law ( Republic Act 11166), our hopes of normalizing getting tested and de-stigmatizing HIV and AIDS are within our grasp. If you ever tested positive, here are things you need to know especially with the new HIV Policy Law. Knowing facts about HIV can save you a lot of worry.
Knowing your status doesn’t have to be scary. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) - The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. He is also a member of Akbayan, the political party that championed the passage of the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act alongside many lobby groups in the 17 Congress. Editor’s note: Vince Liban is an advocate of human rights, gender equality, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
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