The Philippines is in the midst of a “new wave” of HIV/AIDS — human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome — cases that have spread mostly among young people. Data from the Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau indicated that from January 1984 to February 2021, there were 84,610 cases of HIV/AIDS, broken down to 855 cases every month or 30 cases every day. One reason for the resurgence of AIDS cases was that the Philippines “took its eye off the ball” and stopped concentrating on prevention programs especially in the most vulnerable population, she said. The alarming rise in AIDS cases was one of the reasons why UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima held a virtual mission with key health stakeholders and communities, Munderi said. She commended the fact that the country’s new AIDS policy has been integrated with the Universal Health Care Act but stressed that it is equally critical that the health care program include HIV care for vulnerable populations.

Source: Manila Times May 13, 2021 16:18 UTC