Latest news with #PLHIV
Daily Express
10-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
National emergency over HIV in Philippines
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 By: Philippine Daily Inquirer, ANN Text Size: Health department data showed a total of 148,831 reported HIV cases from January 1984 to March 2025. (Pic: Philippine Daily Inquirer) MANILA: With a 500-percent surge in new human immunodeficiency virus or HIV cases per day, the Philippines now has the fastest-growing number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Western Pacific region. This development is alarming enough to prompt the Department of Health (DOH) to urge President Marcos to declare a national public health emergency. Advertisement 'With a national public health emergency for HIV, every sector in the society will help to address this. The whole of society, the whole of government can help us in this campaign to reduce the number of new HIV cases,' Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said. The HIV surge, Herbosa said, is a 'bigger' problem than mpox (previously known as monkeypox). All of the mpox fatalities in the country died not from mpox itself, but due to complications caused by advanced HIV, he added. The DOH has recorded 57 cases per day from January to March this year, or 5,101 newly diagnosed PLHIV over that period, including a 12-year-old from Palawan province, who was found to have engaged in unprotected sex since an early age. HIV and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) surveillance has shown that Filipinos who are newly diagnosed with HIV are getting younger. The DOH noted that the predominant age group has shifted from 35-49 years old in 2002-2005, to 25-34 years old starting in 2006. The below-15 age group has also seen a 133-percent increase, the highest, followed by 15-24, whose numbers increased by 106 per cent. DOH data showed a total of 148,831 reported HIV cases from January 1984 to March 2025. Sexual contact remained the predominant mode of transmission, but has shifted to men who have sex with men (MSM) since 2007. Herbosa warned that the number of PLHIVs could breach 400,000 cases by the end of 2030 should there be no improvement in the services for HIV/AIDS prevention and PLHIV support. But while a national emergency can help raise awareness, the government must immediately implement concrete solutions to stem the rise in HIV cases especially among the young. Former health secretary Janette Garin, for one, said the government should increase efforts in making medicines available and accessible to prevent widespread infection. She added that the rise in cases was expected because the availability of tests and public awareness have driven the numbers up. The study, 'Exploring the HIV Epidemic in the Philippines: Initiatives and Challenges,' published in January this year, offers additional insights. It said that initiatives like Republic Act No. 11166, or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018, strengthen the comprehensive policy on HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support. It, however, noted that despite these measures, including the increase in primary HIV care facilities and treatment centers, there still was 'not much improvement [in controlling] the rising HIV cases.' The researchers attributed this to several factors, such as the low use of artificial contraceptives, like condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), or the use of antiretroviral drugs, to prevent contracting HIV, especially among MSM. The researchers noted that PrEP was available mainly in urban areas but not in the provinces and recommended that health care providers include this service, with the help of private companies and the government. They also cited the Catholic Church's conservatism, which 'greatly influences [and] prevents the full implementation of sexual education in all schools in the country.' The Church has opposed the use of artificial contraceptives and sex education in schools, arguing that parents should be the primary educators in this area. However, as the study pointed out, many parents are not knowledgeable enough to assume this responsibility, especially when conversations on sex remain a taboo in many families. The government can look to Thailand, which has successfully controlled its HIV epidemic through several programs focusing on prevention and care that have evolved since 1984, when their first AIDS case was reported. Among Thailand's notable HIV prevention policies were the 100pc Condom Program, Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission, and expansion of antiretroviral therapy coverage, which were all done in partnership with civil society and PLHIV. In the 1990s, Thailand, under the leadership of then-Cabinet member Mechai Viravaidya, launched an intensive public information campaign on HIV/AIDS prevention. This included mandatory one-minute AIDS education spots every hour on television and radio, as well as education programs in schools that raised students' level of awareness. The world today has a better understanding of HIV and AIDS, and together with it, many ways to protect oneself from contracting HIV, or treating it early so that PLHIVs can live a long and healthy life. This is where the government should focus its efforts instead of hyping up numbers that only trigger panic or fear among the public. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Shining a light to dispel stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS
In a powerful display of solidarity and support, the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Aids Council (LAC), in partnership with the People Living with HIV (PLHIV) sector, hosted a moving Candlelight Memorial yesterday (May 29). Held at the Nyezane Community Hall, the event brought together community members, government departments and support organisations in a unified stand against the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. More than just a day of remembrance, the gathering served as a beacon of hope – honouring lives lost, uplifting those still on the journey, and recognising the tireless efforts of volunteers and caregivers. With local councillor M Kubheka leading the way, the symbolic lighting of candles reflected a shared commitment to compassion, awareness and longevity for people living with HIV. Also read: Shock as rape allegations surface at Estcourt school The event was a success that saw Kubheka surrounded by government departments, members of the National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NAPWA) and the PLHIV sector to successfully turn on the lights. The annual memorial continues to be a moment where voices are heard, lives are celebrated, and communities come together to inspire change. Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Andhra pradesh forms high power council to strengthen AIDS control measures
Image used is for representational purposes only VIJAYAWADA: To further strengthen its fight against the HIV-AIDS virus in the state, the Andhra Pradesh govt constituted an 18-member high-power council headed by the Chief Secretary. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu approved Health Minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav's proposal in this regard on Wednesday. The 18-member council will consist of special chief secretaries, principal secretaries, and secretaries of various departments, including health, school education, higher education, women and child development, panchayat raj and rural development, municipal administration and urban development, youth affairs, tourism, agriculture, transport, roads, and buildings. To ensure the participation of all stakeholders in the fight against AIDS, representatives of affected people like PLHIV and MARP, as well as representatives of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), will be in the council. In addition, the AP State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) project director will act as the convenor of the council. The new Andhra Pradesh State Council to oversee control of HIV/AIDS will enable policy decisions and effective implementation of AIDS control programmes through regular monitoring and assessment of the outcomes, resource mobilisation, and better implementation of programmes through inter-departmental coordination and encouraging community participation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo The council will convene on a regular basis to oversee the progress of the fight against AIDS. It aims at 100% enrolment of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), Most At Risk Population (MARP), and Children Affected By AIDS (CABA), ensuring proper disease preventive and post-disease treatment protocols, and their inclusion in various social protection schemes. The broad-based council is also required to provide proper leadership to the implementation of AIDS control measures in the state through regular review meetings. Speaking on the occasion, Satya Kumar Yadav, who recommended the constitution of the new council, noted that it will significantly contribute to further strengthening the ongoing efforts to control HIV/AIDS in the state through inter-departmental effort and leveraging of available resources and infrastructure.
Zawya
14-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Ministry of Health Flags Off Critical Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Commodities at Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS)
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mulongo Barasa, today flagged off a consignment of essential HIV commodities at the Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) to ensure uninterrupted care for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) across the country. Speaking at the event, Dr. Barasa reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to sustaining the HIV response, despite global funding challenges. Accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, and KEMSA CEO, she emphasized the government's steadfast dedication to ensuring patients have continued access to life-saving HIV treatment and testing commodities. Kenya has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV, achieving 98:98:94 progress toward the UNAIDS 95:95:95 targets. The coordination between KEMSA, MEDS, the Ministry of Health, and county governments has played a critical role in maintaining a robust supply chain for HIV care. The flagged-off consignment includes: Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs such as Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) and pediatric formulations; HIV testing kits supporting the country's 3-Test Algorithm; Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) and Viral Load testing reagents for timely diagnosis and treatment monitoring and Male condoms to support HIV prevention efforts. Dr. Barasa highlighted the Ministry's focus on strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing, integrating HIV care into universal health coverage, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance efficiency in commodity distribution. This milestone underscores Kenya's commitment to an HIV-free future, ensuring no patient is left behind. The flagged-off supplies will be distributed across health facilities nationwide, securing access to essential treatment and care. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
