- The Philippines has registered the fastest-growing HIV/AIDS infection in Asia-Pacific over the past six years with a 140 percent increase, said its Health Department.Speaking at a press conference in Manila on August 1, Health Minister Paulyn Ubial quoted the figures of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS as saying that in late 2016, there were 10,500 Filipinos infected with HIV, up from 4,300 in 2010.In May 2017 alone, new HIV infections rose to 1,098, the highest since 1984, making the Philippines one of the eight countries accounting for more than 90 percent of new HIV infections annually in the region.He said 83 percent of new HIV cases occurred among males who have sex with males and transgender women who have sex with males.UNAIDS Regional Support Team Director for Asia-Pacific Eamonn Murphy said the country could end this public health threat by 2030 if the government can re-direct its focus on the people and locations most at risk.The Philippine Health Department is providing anti-retroviral medicine free for anyone who tests positive for HIV, as well as other out-patient services to maximum of 30,000 pesos (600 USD) a year per person.-VNA Key points: 10,500 Filipinos were infected with HIV at the end of 2016

Health Ministry encourages voluntary HIV testing

Most new infections were among young men

There were 10,500 Filipinos infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at the end of 2016, up from 4,300 in 2010, Health Minister Paulyn Ubial told a media conference, citing data from UNAIDS. SEE ALSO: Philippines: As HIV cases hit record high, govt explores new drug treatment

Philippines health department data has shown in May 2017 alone, more than 1,000 new cases of HIV-AIDS were reported – the highest number since the heavily Catholic country’s first recorded case in 1984. “If HIV programming is re-directed to focus on the people most at risk and where they are located, I’m sure the country can not only return to a stable situation but even end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030,” Murphy said. The Philippines has improved its programs regarding the expansion of HIV services for males who have sex with males and transgender women such as opening clinics in urban areas where HIV prevalence was higher. Genesis Samonte of the Philippine health department’s epidemiology bureau said eight out of 10 reported HIV cases were among men having relation with men (MSM). “Any male who has sex with another male for whatever reason, is at risk.”

Two out of three new HIV infections were among 15 to 24 year-old men, who she said have insufficient awareness of HIV, its symptoms and treatment. Samonte said risky sexual behavior among MSMs happens at a young age, with the first sexual encounter happening at 16 years old.
According to the United Nations, the Philippines has the largest increase in HIV/AIDS in the Asia Pacific region with about a 140% increase in cases from 2010 until 2016 possibly causing a 'national emergency.' (ABC.net.au), (Human Rights Watch)