21/04/2026
ADVOCACY | Towards a healthcare for the people
By: Judge David Asuncion
Ignorance alone doesn't challenge public health into crises—problems grow when systems fail to keep pace with people's realities.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks white blood cells and weakens the immune system. It spreads through infected blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) can prevent and control it, access remains to those who can afford it—prompting calls for universal treatment, not privileged.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), HIV cases have reached a total number of 163,454 in the Philippines, with 45% of 4,277 new instances among ages 25-34 and 32% among 15-24. This reflects a growing gap between evolving social behaviors and support systems that are meant to guide them safely.
As talks on s*xual health become open, the need for reliable information becomes urgent. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has reported 32% of young Filipinos engaging in s*xual activities. With this, improved reproductive health services and education among the youth is a must.
It's important to note that people's personal choices aren't the problem—it's the lack of resources and safe spaces. Efforts to address HIV should be anchored on the right to receive the highest attainable standard of health, as noted by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (UN OHCHR).
Openness alone won’t enable informed decisions, as unguided choices increase risks of unsafe and unprotected practices. Aligned to this, comprehensive s*xual education (CSE) is emphasized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an essential tool to address HIV.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that stigma causes lower uptake of preventive services and contributes to discrimination. As such CSE anchors s*xuality with positivity, emphasizing values like respect, inclusion, empathy, and responsibility—reinforcing healthy understanding of s*x, puberty and relationships.
For those living with HIV, managing their health requires consistent care. However, this becomes difficult when healthcare is underfunded and out-of-reach. UNAIDS reported that in 2023, the Philippines only constituted 211 million pesos of the 3.6 billion peso HIV spending—highlighting the need for inclusive development.
Advocate groups play a role in improving welfare access for persons living with HIV (PLHIV). Institutionally, the National University Student Ambassadors (NUSA), in partnership with LoveYourself Incorporated, promote awareness and empowerment through initiatives like the Respond, Educate and Develop campaign (RED).
Currently, HIV support programs exist such as the enhanced Outpatient HIV Treatment (OHAT) package, provision of assistance for PLHIV and localized HIV testing and pantry services. Legal improvements have also been applied with Republic Act (RA) No. 11166.
The fight for addressing HIV remains strong, as stigma isn't the only concern that needs to be tackled. There's a need to strengthen s*xual education, expand testing initiatives and ensure consistent healthcare access. Moving forward requires every Filipino, regardless of circumstance, to be supported wholeheartedly.
Public health can't rely on awareness alone—it requires systems that are proactive, inclusive and responsive. Because at the end of the day, support should be within reach, and sustainable care must always keep pace with people's lived realities.
Layout by: Anthony Solde
