**A Silent Epidemic: HIV in the Philippines, a Disease of Connection and Inclusion**
The Philippines, a tropical country with enchanting landscapes and rich culture, is in the grip of a silent health catastrophe. As the international community celebrates progress in the fight against HIV, the Philippines presents an alarming picture: infections are skyrocketing, making the country home to the world’s fastest-growing HIV epidemic, according to UNAIDS. This phenomenon, which may seem insidious, exposes complex realities shaped by cultural attitudes, educational failures and poor public policies.
**Lagging behind in sex education**
The Philippines, deeply rooted in Catholic values, suffers from poor sex education. Persistent stigma around sexuality hampers awareness-raising efforts. Speeches such as that of former President Rodrigo Duterte that devalue condom use in favor of other methods of contraception send a confusing message, especially to young people. In 2023, the country recorded approximately 29,000 new infections, a figure that reveals more than just a health problem: it is a societal crisis.
A striking similarity can be observed with other countries facing increases in HIV cases due to a lack of sexual education or cultural taboos, such as parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Prevention through education is a fundamental pillar; examples of countries that have successfully reversed the trend (such as the reductions observed in South Africa thanks to robust educational campaigns) clearly show that a proactive and informative approach can produce significant results.
**Stigma: A formidable adversary**
Stigma is another key element contributing to the escalation of infections. About 90% of new cases detected in Manila are from the LGBT+ community. This marginalization fuels a vicious cycle of isolation and fear. Risky behaviors increase in a population deprived of resources and information. Young people aged 15 to 24, representing more than half of new infections, are particularly vulnerable, often paralyzed by the silence surrounding HIV.
On this subject, a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that inclusive and stigma-free environments promote acceptance and access to care. The journey of Adrian Lindayag, an actor who defied the taboo by disclosing his HIV status, could inspire other celebrities to break the silence that keeps millions of people under the weight of shame and anxiety.
**The role of NGOs and digital activists**
With a government struggling to respond to the crisis, NGOs like Love Yourself have become key players in the fight against the epidemic. Their efforts, while commendable, highlight the urgent need for effective government action. Love Yourself has successfully established inclusive health centers that provide tailored care for people living with HIV, while conducting nationwide awareness campaigns.
This phenomenon of “engaged citizens” is reminiscent of social movements seen in other health emergency contexts, such as the role of activists in the fight against AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s in countries like the United States. The use of digital platforms and social networks by these 2.0 activists opens new avenues to reach a generation of hyper-connected young people, while reinventing awareness-raising methods.
**Towards an uncertain future: alarming projections**
The projections are alarming: the government estimates that by 2030, the number of people living with HIV in the Philippines could reach 400,000. In contrast, the United Nations has committed to ending HIV transmission globally by that same year. These goals now seem inextricably distant for the country.
The key to this fight may lie in a paradigm shift, where the intersection of politics, civil society, and a new joint educational dynamic would be crucial. If the Philippines fails to internalize this lesson from the HIV tragedy, it risks becoming a reflection of collective failure—a textbook case of the need for multisectoral and inclusive engagement in the fight against all forms of discrimination and injustice.
In short, the fight against HIV in the Philippines is not just a public health issue; It is deeply rooted in the social, cultural and political dynamics of the country. Policymakers, civil society actors and the international community must join forces to transform this challenge into an opportunity for collective healing, thus eradicating not only the virus, but also the stigma and exclusion it engenders.