TALKING about human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), alongside acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), remains taboo for many today in the Philippines despite efforts to destigmatize the health issue. 

HIV patients who will not be treated to slow down the spread of the virus may develop AIDS. To this day, experts are yet to find a cure for the syndrome.

Consequently, many Filipinos are still unaware of measures to prevent the virus from spreading. It has also led people with HIV to live discreetly while battling the so-called “silent killer.”

According to the Department of Health (DOH), there were 1,347 Filipinos who were confirmed to be HIV-positive and reported to the HIV/AIDS and Antiretroviral Therapy Registry of the Philippines last September 2022. Between January 1984 and September 2022, there were 105,794 documented cases of HIV in the country, which resulted in 6,183 deaths.

A 2020 report from the DOH noted that the Philippines has the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in Asia and the Pacific region, with a 237 percent increase in annual new HIV infections from 2010 to 2020. If the rapid growth is sustained, the DOH said people living with HIV (PLHIV) will triple by 2030, with an estimated 330,000 cases.

In time for this year’s World AIDS Day, DOH released an advisory highlighting the importance of HIV testing. 

But why does it matter? 

To remain healthy

HIV testing not only allows people to know their status, but it also allows them to know preventive options that they can avail themselves of and access for free, the DOH said. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said people unaware that they are infected with HIV account for about 40 percent of the total new HIV infections in the world. CDC then reminded the public that testing is the “first step in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing HIV transmission” for those with undiagnosed HIV.

Getting tested does not equate to having been infected with the virus. HIV testing is open to all, regardless of gender and background.

“Being healthy is your right.”

“Under Universal Health Care, there is equal access to health services, including those that address problems related to HIV and AIDS,” the health department said.

Universal Health Care is a government mandate that aims to guarantee that every Filipino would be able to access health benefits that are both affordable and of sufficient quality. This requires ample funds, including human resources for health, healthcare facilities, and health financing. 

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, into law on  February 20, 2019.

Testing saves lives

Testing is the primary stage toward treatment, and effective treatment is an important HIV prevention tool and saves lives, the United Nations Programme for HIV and AIDS said. The Philippines conducted 11,978 HIV tests in 2018, and 57 percent of these yielded positive results, the UNAIDS said.

HIV treatment reduces a person’s viral load, or the quantity of HIV in their body, to undetectable levels. A person with an undetectable level of HIV cannot infect another person.

“HIV treatment and care begins when you know your HIV status,” said the DOH.

The health department also said HIV testing does not only help you become aware of your condition, it fosters awareness of the fight against HIV and AIDS.

The UNAIDS has called on national governments to increase the availability of HIV testing, service quality and suitability, and treatment.