Senator Gatchalian Urges Increased Awareness on HIV Among Youth as Cases Rise

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to intensify their efforts in educating the youth about HIV. Gatchalian, who heads the Senate committee on basic education, made this statement after the HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and ART Registry of the Philippines for January 2023 showed that there were 86 cases recorded among children and adolescents aged 19 and below. Of these cases, 79 were among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years old, while 7 were below 10 years old. Gatchalian expressed concern over the situation, stating that it is distressing to know that young people who should receive the most care are the ones suffering from the disease. He emphasized that government agencies, including the DOH and local government units, should work together to disseminate information about HIV and how to prevent it. Gatchalian also cited the University of the Philippines Population Institute's 2021 Young Adult and Fertility Sexuality Survey, which revealed that awareness of HIV/AIDS among young people dropped to 78% in 2021, the lowest recorded percentage since 1994, when the awareness rate was 95%.

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Gatchalian further highlighted the urgency of increasing awareness on HIV by pointing out that of the 1,454 new HIV cases reported in January, 70% were males who had sex with other males, 13% were males having sex with females, and 17% were males having sex with both males and females. He stressed the need to address the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, which can prevent people from seeking testing and treatment.

The senator's call for increased awareness on HIV is in line with the global effort to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has set a series of targets known as the 90-90-90 goals, which aim to have 90% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 90% of those diagnosed with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 90% of those receiving treatment achieving viral suppression by 2020.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted progress towards these goals, with many HIV prevention and treatment services being temporarily closed or scaled back. It is therefore important to redouble efforts to address HIV, especially among young people, who are at a higher risk of acquiring the virus due to factors such as lack of access to information, stigma, discrimination, and gender inequality.

Gatchalian's call for increased awareness on HIV among the youth is a timely reminder of the need to prioritize this issue and ensure that everyone has access to accurate information, testing, and treatment. By working together, government agencies, civil society, and the private sector can help to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic and ensure a healthier future for all.

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Social media blamed for youth’s risky sexual behavior (msn.com)