So far, AIDS relatively low in the Philippines

Throughout history, there have been many epidemics that have affected mankind’s way of living. Different types of infectious diseases like the flu, malaria, influenza, cholera, smallpox and tuberculosis have, on many occasions, caused tremendous catastrophes. But no matter how deadly any one of these was, none has had the same impact on people’s lives as the AIDS virus. Communities all over the world have been affected by it and the people living with the disease often face debilitating social stigma and discrimination simply because of their association with the virus.

This is why the Global Health Council launched the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. First introduced in 1983, the program is among the world’s oldest movements by civil society for HIV/AIDS remembrance, awareness and community action. It takes place every third Sunday in May. The movement aims to end HIV/AIDS by raising awareness and advocating for the advancement of effective policies at all levels. It is also an opportunity to remember those who have been affected by the virus. The 25th anniversary of the AIDS Candlelight Memorial Campaign was simultaneously held last May 18 in many countries all over the globe. This year’s theme is “Never Give Up. Never Forget,” reflecting the crossroads in time the memorial represents. It reminds us that we must learn from the past and remember those lost, as well as to never give up our collective fight against the disease.

According to the latest data from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), 33.2 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with the virus. More than 2 million people died of AIDS-related causes and an estimated 2.5 million people became newly-infected with HIV. Moreover, UNAIDS and WHO data indicate that although access to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment has increased fivefold since December 2003 in low and middle-income countries, access to needed services remains low overall and uneven around the world. Only 38% of people living with HIV/AIDS in need of ARV’s were estimated to be receiving treatment as of December 2006. This represents only 2 million of the estimated 7.1 million people in need of antiretroviral treatment in these countries. Access to prevention services also is low, with fewer than one in five people at risk of HIV infection in low and middle-income countries estimated to have access.

So far, efforts in finding a definitive cure for the disease have been unsuccessful. This is why raising awareness and advocating for the advancement of effective policies are so important. We are lucky that the Philippines has a relatively low prevalence rate, with only an estimated 12,000 reported cases of people living with HIV/AIDS. With the scientific world’s inability to find a cure, the best way to fight the disease so far is by controlling its proliferation. This is a Herculean task that needs the cooperation and participation of all the countries of the world.