Amid rising cases of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) launched the “Undetectable = Untransmittable Campaign” during the 2024 World AIDS Day observance.
The campaign aims to fight HIV/AIDS stigma and raise awareness about prevention, testing, and treatment.
The DOH is encouraging regular HIV testing at primary care facilities, local clinics, health centers, and mobile units to ensure early detection.
“Early detection is key to managing the virus and improving health outcomes. Practice safe sex, regularly undergo HIV testing, and encourage all your peers to do the same,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
Recent estimates show that by the end of 2024, the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the country will reach 215,400. Of these, 131,335 (61%) have been diagnosed, and 88,544 (67%) are currently on Antiretroviral Therapy.
“It is only through collective action that we will be able to end the HIV epidemic in the country. We must all work together to ensure that those who need it most–especially our PLHIVs and other key populations–are able to access our HIV services without difficulty or stigma, dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” said Herbosa.IMT
