WITH NEARLY 2,000 recorded HIV infections and 249 deaths from 1986 to September 2024, this “silent epidemic” in Iloilo Province is no longer a looming threat — it is a present and pressing crisis. The numbers tell a story of lives cut short and communities grappling with the far-reaching impact of this disease. Yet, behind these statistics lies an opportunity: the chance to turn the tide through sustained education, proactive testing, and accessible treatment.
HIV/AIDS has long been shrouded in stigma and misinformation, allowing the virus to spread unchecked in communities hesitant to seek testing and care. This silence fuels its proliferation, especially among key demographics. Alarmingly, the most affected age groups in Iloilo are the youth and young adults aged 15 to 34, comprising 80% of reported cases. Of these, a staggering 96% involve males, with a significant portion attributed to male-to-male sexual contact. Clearly, these figures indicate that targeted and inclusive interventions are needed.
The Iloilo Provincial Government, in partnership with the Department of Health, has made commendable strides to address this concern – community awareness campaigns, free HIV counselling and screening services at all Rural Health Units (RHUs), and the establishment of HIV Primary Care Clinics and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) stations. Yet, challenges remain. Only 46% of estimated cases have been diagnosed — far from the global “95-95-95” target that aims for 95% diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression.
Achieving these goals requires breaking the barriers of silence and stigma. Public education must go beyond sporadic campaigns to become a sustained, multi-sectoral effort involving schools, workplaces, and local government units. Comprehensive sexual education, especially for the youth, can equip individuals with knowledge to protect themselves and dispel harmful myths about HIV transmission.
More importantly, access to testing and treatment must be further expanded.
While Iloilo has made headway with its facilities, many rural areas still lack the resources to adequately address the epidemic. Bridging these gaps means investing in healthcare infrastructure, training more medical personnel, and ensuring that lifesaving drugs like antiretroviral therapy (ART) are available to all who need them.
Community involvement is equally vital. Barangay leaders, non-governmental organizations, and grassroots groups must be empowered to lead the charge in spreading awareness and encouraging testing. The fight against HIV is not solely a medical challenge but a societal one. By fostering an environment of acceptance and support, Iloilo can ensure that individuals feel safe seeking help without fear of discrimination.
The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day, “Take the Rights Path,” is a reminder that combating HIV is a matter of health and human rights. Every individual deserves access to accurate information, preventive tools, and quality care. But this requires all hands on deck. Breaking the silence is just the first step; sustaining the momentum is the real challenge.
