01/12/2025
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, also known as ๐๐๐๐, is a chronic condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV damages and weakens the cells of your immune system which makes it difficult to fight off other infections. When HIV has damaged your immune system enough, the disease progresses to AIDS, which is the final and most serious stage of an HIV infection.
The Philippines is currently experiencing the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in Asia. According to WHO, the number of HIV cases in the Philippines went up by 550% from 4,400 in 2010 to 29,600 in 2024 with around 252,800 Filipinos estimated to be living with HIV in 2025. Every day, at least 57 people are diagnosed with the disease. Despite the growing pandemic, prevention efforts are severely underfunded constituting only 6% or 211 million pesos of the total 3.6 billion peso HIV spending in 2023. This gap has only worsened due to the recent US funding pause which threatens vital prevention programs and community-led responses.
There is currently no cure for HIV, therefore prevention is most prioritized. If you are not yet infected, there are many ways of prevention. It is important to observe proper condom use during in*******se to prevent infection. You may also use Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk of HIV infection. If you are sexually active, it is also important to get yourself tested regularly to constantly monitor your health. Non-profit organizations, such as LoveYourself Philippines, offer free HIV testing, counseling and treatment. Community clinics also offer free HIV testing and can provide PrEP if necessary.
