HIV is on the rise in new regions across the globe, with alarming spikes in places like the Philippines, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. While progress has been made in sub-Saharan Africa, where new infections and AIDS-related deaths have dramatically dropped, other regions are seeing a troubling increase in cases. As the global health community grapples with this shift, experts and activists are working tirelessly to find innovative solutions to curb the virus’s spread and ensure access to treatment.
In the Philippines, HIV has escalated at an alarming rate, transforming from a “hidden” epidemic to one that is “fast and furious,” according to Dr. Loyd Norella of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation. From 4,400 new infections in 2010 to a staggering 24,400 in 2022, the country is witnessing a sharp uptick in HIV diagnoses, accompanied by a 500% increase in AIDS-related deaths. Despite having the tools to combat the virus — including free HIV testing, condoms, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and antiretroviral treatments — the stigma surrounding HIV and sexual health continues to drive new infections, particularly among youth.
Darwin Tenoria, an HIV educator in the Philippines, is a powerful advocate for education and awareness after his own life-altering experience with the virus. He was diagnosed at 27, after nearly dying from AIDS. Tenoria, now 10 years into his advocacy work, emphasizes the need to overcome the deep-seated stigma that prevents people from seeking help. His efforts are focused on reaching young people — almost half of new HIV infections in the Philippines are in individuals under 24 years old.
While sub-Saharan Africa has long been the epicenter of the HIV epidemic, the landscape is shifting. New HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa have decreased nearly 60% from 2010 to 2023. However, as the region sees progress, new hotspots are emerging around the world. In 2023, the majority of new HIV infections occurred outside sub-Saharan Africa, with countries in Eastern Europe, Latin America, and South Asia now seeing rising numbers of cases.
Mary Mahy, Director for Data for Impact at UNAIDS, acknowledges this progress but highlights the growing crisis in these new regions. “If you take sub-Saharan Africa out of the equation, all the progress on reducing new infections disappears. That’s a sobering reality,” Mahy said. This troubling trend calls for urgent action and a global response that adapts to the unique challenges in these emerging hotspots.
Health officials in the Philippines and other affected regions are finding creative ways to address these challenges. In one notable example, health organizations in the Philippines have set up HIV testing clinics in unconventional locations, such as a mall parking garage, to reduce the stigma associated with HIV testing. This innovative approach aims to reach individuals who may feel uncomfortable visiting more traditional health centers.
Additionally, outreach programs are increasingly targeting younger populations who may not fully understand the risks of HIV. Many young people, especially those under 24, have not witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the epidemic, which can lead to complacency regarding prevention. Dr. Rossana Ditangco, HIV researcher at the Department of Health’s Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, stresses the need to adapt outreach strategies, saying, “These kids are not in the streets. They are at home, in school. You can’t expect them to visit government-based testing centers.”
Despite significant efforts to provide HIV prevention tools, policy barriers remain a major obstacle. In the Philippines, for example, laws prohibit children under 18 from purchasing or receiving free contraceptives, including condoms, which can help prevent HIV transmission. This policy gap leaves many adolescents reliant on informal channels, such as older relatives or friends, to obtain condoms.
Peter Sands, Executive Director of The Global Fund, warns that the fight against HIV is at a critical juncture. “It’s not money or technology that is holding us back,” Sands says. “It’s stigma, discrimination, and bad policy. If we can’t fix that, all the best innovations in the world won’t work.”
The rise in HIV cases outside sub-Saharan Africa underscores the need for continued global cooperation and action. With ongoing efforts to expand access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention, the global health community remains hopeful that lessons learned in successful regions like Africa can be applied to emerging hotspots.
As Darwin Tenoria reflects, “We have the knowledge, the tools, and the support, but we need to remove the stigma. That’s the only way we can win this fight.” With continued innovation, policy change, and global collaboration, the fight against HIV can still be won — but only if the world remains vigilant and committed.
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