HIV Surge in the Philippines: Melon Jackie’s Case and 50 New Infections Daily

HIV in the Philippines: Late Diagnosis Leads to Preventable AIDS-Related Deaths

In the Philippines, around one in three people living with HIV (PLHIV) are diagnosed at an advanced stage, often only after being diagnosed with co-infections like tuberculosis or pneumonia. In 2023, delayed diagnosis resulted in 1,700 AIDS-related deaths, despite global advancements in HIV treatment like pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) being freely available at government-run clinics.

While globalization has brought progress to HIV treatment, awareness remains low among the Filipino population. Only 13% know about PrEP, and just 60% are aware of free HIV testing services, according to government data.

"High late diagnosis rates underscore the urgent need for accessible and timely HIV testing," said UNAIDS Philippines Executive Director Lui Ocampo.

Currently, around 40% of PLHIV in the Philippines are undiagnosed, largely due to HIV misconceptions and low public awareness. Certain communities, such as transgender women (TGW) and female sex workers (FSW), have HIV knowledge levels as low as 30%.

Elena Felix, a 66-year-old grandmother living with HIV for 30 years, remembers her diagnosis in the ’90s when doctors gave her a mere 10-year life expectancy. Today, Felix is a dedicated HIV rights advocate, leading the Association of Positive Women Advocates Inc. (APWAI), which supports and advocates for women living with HIV.

Recently, Felix was part of a landmark case against lawyer Larry Gadon, who implied that former President Benigno Aquino III died from AIDS. Aquino died from kidney disease in 2021. Gadon faced backlash and was stripped of his legal license for targeting PLHIV, a victory Felix hopes sends a strong message: HIV status should not be weaponized for humiliation or discrediting.

"Using HIV misinformation to mock and humiliate, even a former president, can devastate and discourage, especially the youth," Felix told DW. "We must shift blame culture that stigmatizes PLHIV as being punished for their actions."