In observance of the World Aids Day today (December 1), the Department of Health expressed alarm over the rising number of Filipinos infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

According to PhilHealth, one out of four HIV carriers is a migrant worker. The data from the National HIV and AIDS Registry said that out of the 7,584 new HIV and AIDS cases as of September 30 this year, 1,729 is an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).

Fortunately the national insurance agency promise to give full assistance to infected members including OFWs. Philhealth president and chief executive officer, Eduardo Banzon said, “We wish to assure all HIV positive Filipinos who are Philhealth members that we are absolutely committed to look after them.”

He added, “Our assurance of complete assistance also covers members who are overseas Filipino workers or OFWs. We will provide generously for HIV positive persons, to include repayments for the cost of expensive antiretroviral treatments, if necessary.”

Health authorities are alarmed because ten years ago, they are receiving only one case of HIV positive individual every two days. Today, there is an average of six new HIV-positive individuals everyday.

Health Secretary, Enrique Ona said that the rise in the number of HIV carriers is largely due to the rising number of males who have unprotected sex with males, and among injecting drug users who share contaminated needles.

Ona said that in spite of the rise in numbers, it is a good thing that HIV cases are limited to a certain group in the population. This makes it easier for authorities to curb HIV cases as they know where and to whom they should devote their attention to. 

Ona said, “The HIV situation, while alarming, is concentrated among key populations at higher risk and not the public at large. This provides us with a greater opportunity to halt and reverse the trend in the next few years; one which will require a more focused, multi-sectoral approach and efficient implementation of prevention and control programs."

The Health Secretary said that the Philippines need to unite and cooperate with the global campaign to end the HIV epidemic and achieve the theme of the World AIDS day celebration this year which is, “Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths.”

Ona said that HIV cases and deaths caused by HIV and AIDS is decreasing worldwide as the HIV infections fell by 21 percent and 2.5 million deaths were prevented between 1997 and 2010.

Ona said, “We urge the health sector to turn commitments into observable results rapidly, and not just incremental progress, and the task may look difficult but lessons from past experience tell us differently, it can be done."