WHO warns HIV may spread in the Philippines

October 8, 2018

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned the Philippines cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may spread from the high risk population if nothing is done.

Speaking at a press conference Monday, WHO Western Pacific Regional Director Shin Young Soo said: "It must be given more attention because anything can happen and may affect the general population sooner or later."

He said the Philippines is the only country in the region where the number of people living with HIV have been rising.

“HIV cases in the Philippines posted a high 140 percent increase in the last six to eight years and the Philippines has to take this seriously. It’s the only country in the region that recorded an increase while others have decreased," Shin said.

Based on WHO data, HIV incidence worldwide has gone down by 20 percent, except for some countries, including the Philippines.

WHO Representative to the Philippines Gundo Weiler said proactive action must start from high risk individuals. This includes men having sex with men (MSM) and those engaged in risky sexual behavior.

“It's really an issue that needs to be recognized by the key population so they can adopt safer behaviors," he said.

“Basically, adopting safe sex behavior is one of the main ways to bring down HIV cases. It is important to discuss the issue to all communities," Weiler said.

Since 1984 to July 2018, there have been 57,134 HIV cases reported in the Philippines. DMS