WHAT if the greatest danger in a health crisis wasn’t the virus itself, but the fear surrounding it?

In an age where information is accessible, fear can still spread faster than the facts. A perfect example of this is how people react when they hear the word “HIV.” For many, it triggers an immediate sense of alarm—minds turning to outdated beliefs and harmful stereotypes.

But what if we take a moment to rethink that reaction? Why are we still gripped by fear over a virus that medical science understands well, that modern treatment can effectively manage, and that prevention tools can control?

Today, the true threat lies not only in the virus but in the fear, silence, and misinformation that let it thrive unseen—particularly in countries like the Philippines, where cases are rising at an alarming pace.

Fear Is the Real Foe

We need not look far to find where the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is spreading quickly. The Philippines has become one of the countries hardest hit by this accelerating epidemic.

According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) released on June 11, 2025, the Philippines now records one of the fastest-growing HIV infection rates in the entire Asia-Pacific region.

This year alone, an average of 57 Filipinos are diagnosed with HIV every day. From 4,400 cases in 2010, the annual number jumped to 29,600 in 2024—marking a 550% increase. It’s estimated that by 2025, around 252,800 Filipinos will be living with the virus.

Yet, this isn’t only a public health emergency—it’s a social reality check. The rising numbers should not cause fear-driven panic. Instead, they should encourage stronger efforts, open conversations, and a deeper understanding of it.

Fear—especially when built on misinformation—has long been one of the most dangerous obstacles to progress. HIV has, for decades, been cloaked in stigma, often tied to moral judgments and myths rather than science.

A significant portion of the Filipino population still sees HIV as a death sentence, or labels those living with it as “dirty,” “reckless,” or “doomed.” These beliefs are not just inaccurate—they are life-threatening.

Mode of Transmission 

Today, it’s crucial to be informed by individuals who have a deep and accurate understanding of HIV. This is why republicasia conducted an exclusive interview with Ico Johnson, President of Project Red Ribbon.

Citing verified data from the Department of Health (DOH), Johnson explained that HIV is transmitted in three main ways: engaging in unprotected sexual activity, sharing infected needles, and from mother-to-child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

He emphasized that in the Philippines, unprotected sex remains the main mode of HIV transmission. Within this, he identified three specific groups most at risk: men who have sex with men, men who have sex with both men and women, and men who have sex with women.

However, Johnson was careful to stress that HIV should not be exclusively associated with homosexuality, as doing so reinforces harmful stereotypes and ignores the broader scope of the epidemic.

“We cannot typecast, stereotype HIV with homosexuality, kasi even straight men are having sex with the same-sex. Hindi naman lahat ‘yon ay homosexual, they’re just practicing homosexual behaviors,” he said.

HIV can also be transmitted when individuals share needles with someone who is infected during drug use, as well as through chemsex, which involves taking drugs to intensify sexual experiences.

“The reason why people who inject drugs can transmit HIV, especially during pot sessions, is by having somebody with HIV uses the needle of a certain drugs sa syringe, nilipat sa kabilang tao madaling ma-transmit,” Johnson said.

“But also, it’s not only during drug addiction. Mayroon na rin kasing kumakalat na “chemsex,” or individuals who practice or use drugs during sex, to ehance sex behavior. When they share needles, they can easily transmit,” he went on to explain.

Lastly, according to Johnson, the most heartbreaking and painful form of HIV transmission is from a mother to her child. This mode of transmission carries deep emotional weight, as it affects one’s life even before it has fully begun.

“Among the Asian countries, the Philippines is one of the countries wherein mother-to-child is still going up,” he said. “Ito ‘yung vertical transmission kung saan ‘yung nanay, naipapasa niya sa baby niya.”

Tricky Part of Viral Infections

Now that we understand how HIV is transmitted or contracted, the next challenge arises: how do we recognize the early signs or symptoms of HIV? Is early detection even possible?

As explained by Johnson, HIV progresses through three distinct stages. It begins with the acute phase, during which a person experiences Acute HIV Infection (AHI), typically accompanied by flu-like symptoms.

“Para lang siyang trangkaso, and one will experience it in two to four weeks after transmission. So typical ano? Para lang yang COVID and any viral infection, magkakaroon ka ng flu-like symptoms,” Johnson said.

“At first, akala mo flu lang, kaya iinom ka lang ng paracetamol or bioflu, wala na siya. Without you knowing, mayroon ka na. At kapag nawala na siya, it’s like a thief in the night, hindi mo na alam kasi wala ka ng mararamdaman,” he went on to explain. 

According to Johnson, this is what makes HIV particularly dangerous—people often don’t realize they’ve been infected. In addition, during the acute HIV infection (AHI) stage, individuals are extremely contagious.

After this initial phase, a person enters the clinical latency period, during which they may feel completely healthy and unaware of any illness, even though their immune system gradually begins to weaken over time.

“It will take a while bago humina ang immune system mo. So basically, the immune system is being destroyed during the latency period. Hindi mo alam meron ka na, tapos wala kang nararamdaman,” Johnson explained.

“Until it comes to a point na after a few years, maybe five or more, magkakaroon ka na ng ibang infections. Ito ‘yung opportunistic infection, or AIDS related infections, na kung saan pwede kang mahawaan ng any infection, including the deadly ones.”

“Possible na magkaroon ng tuberculosis, which is the number one killer sa HIV. Other forms of pneumonia, because Filipinos are weak when it comes to lungs. At ang makikita mong signs are the signs of the opportunistic infections, not HIV per se,” he added.

When you think about it, and considering how Johnson described the stages, HIV doesn’t show obvious symptoms that would make you immediately realize you’ve been infected—unless you undergo testing or develop more severe, life-threatening infections later on.

Prevention’s Better Than Cure

As many doctors often emphasize, prevention is always better than cure. Since HIV can become undetectable with treatment, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid engaging in high-risk activities and to get tested regularly.

Johnson also pointed out that the Philippines is not lacking when it comes to access to testing kits. In fact, they are widely available—the real challenge lies in encouraging more Filipinos to take the initiative and get tested.

“It’s very accessible already. At this time we have all the testing modalities na, mayroon tayong tatlo. Number one mayroon tayo HIV test, or the actual blood extraction, conducted by any HIV proficient medical technologist, and that is facility based,” he said.

“Matagal nang meron ‘yan, but in 2016, DOH introduced HIV Screening. This uses the rapid HIV testing kits, and the result comes after 15 minutes. It can be performed by any medical professional or trained lay person in your communities, and that’s free.”

“Since kulang pa rin, ibig sabihin hindi pa rin ganun ka aggressive ang testing, noong 2022 the DOH released ‘yung self-testing. So mayroon tayong self-test kits that you can request in any DOH and HIV accredited treatment facilities,” he added.

For Johnson, this clearly demonstrates that the DOH and various HIV organizations are working closely together to connect individuals seeking testing with the widespread availability of testing kits nationwide.

“We have all of those in the Philippines. All the regions in the country have those. All cities have those. Kaya talagang aggressive na tayo, kasi kumbaga, hindi tayo kinukulang when it comes to the innovations in testing,” he said.

Don’t Escalate, Educate

As the president of Project Red Ribbon, Johnson hopes Filipinos recognize the importance of not just getting tested, but also sharing and spreading awareness about HIV.

“For the longest time, we have an HIV epidemic. So we need to test more. This is why we encourage everybody to get tested. Because if we don’t know the number of those people who have HIV, then hindi natin ito matitigil,” he said.

“Iikot nang iikot, kasi kung hindi mo alam na mayroon kang HIV, madali mo itong maipapasa. So, HIV testing and the awareness on the HIV testing itself is very helpful in reversing the HIV epidemic,” he went on.

Johnson also addressed the objectives for both groups—those without HIV and those living with it. For individuals who are HIV-negative, the aim is to consistently engage in safe practices to maintain their negative status. Meanwhile, people living with HIV need to adhere to ongoing medication.

The purpose of this treatment is to reduce the viral load to undetectable levels. This means the virus remains in the body but can no longer be transmitted to others. This concept is commonly referred to as U=U, or Undetectable = Untransmittable.

“Kung gusto mong matigil ang HIV, kailangan nandito ka sa prevention, awareness, and testing para hindi ka makahawa. Kapag nandito ka naman sa kabilang side, HIV positive, uminom ka lang ng gamot, and eventually hindi ka na makakahawa,” he said.

“Right now, treatment is prevention. Ayan ang dalawang approach natin at ayan din ang itinuturo natin. What’s good about that, lahat ‘yan kumpleto ang Pilipinas, meaning HIV test kits, condoms, lubricants, PEP, mayroon.”

“Sa treatment, mayroon tayong gamot for HIV, libre lang. Mayroon tayong more than 299 treatment facilities nationwide. Kailangan lang nilang uminom dire-diretso ng gamot hanggang hindi na sila makahawa, and that ends the epidemic,” he added.

Ultimately, the battle against HIV comes down to education, proactive testing, and the supportive laws that back them up. That’s why the stigma and discrimination faced by those affected must end.

Behind every number is a real person: a student hesitant to get tested, a worker concealing their treatment, a parent unsure how to discuss safe sex with their child, or a young man wishing he had known earlier.

These are not warnings—they are our neighbors, classmates, colleagues, and friends. With the right care and understanding, they can live fully, love deeply, and thrive. But only if we choose to support them.

Let us be the generation that breaks the stigma and leaves no one behind. HIV is neither a moral failing nor a death sentence; it’s a medical condition deserving of dignity and compassion. 

Remember, fear paralyzes, but concern mobilizes.