Browsing: AIDS

The United Nations has urged the Philippines to intensify its efforts in curbing the escalating number of HIV cases and enhancing treatment services across the nation. UN Assistant Secretary-General Christine Stegling underscored the critical importance of addressing the HIV epidemic during her recent visit to Manila. Stegling’s visit is part of a UN initiative aimed at supporting countries against HIV/AIDS and ensuring that affected populations receive the necessary care and support.

Dr John Nkengasong, the Global AIDS coordinator for US President Joe Biden, emphasised Washington’s firm commitment to assisting the Philippines in combatting HIV/AIDS. Highlighting HIV/AIDS as a key priority for the US government, Nkengasong commended the Philippines for its dedication to addressing the disease. He reiterated the importance of international cooperation in tackling global health challenges.

Education plays a crucial role in promoting consistent and correct condom use. Comprehensive campaigns should focus on dispelling myths, providing accurate information about condom effectiveness, and teaching proper usage techniques. By empowering individuals with knowledge, we can increase condom usage rates and reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

The event raised RM1.8 million in funds to help continue the pursuit of eradicating HIV/AIDS in Malaysia. It was held in conjunction with MAF’s 20th anniversary and World AIDS day. Mr Azman stated that the government fully supports the amendment of the Employment Act 1995 and the Industrial Relations Act 1967. He mentioned this in a speech at the event held at Sunway Resort Hotel. He further mentioned that the Malaysian AIDS Foundation and KSM are in the process of refining the proposal to reform this bill. The proposal also received support from the Ministry of Health (MOH), a few government-linked companies (GLCs) and stakeholders.

Gao dedicated herself to helping AIDS patients, often at great personal cost. She distributed educational leaflets, provided medical assistance, and vocally criticised the local government for covering up the crisis. This stance eventually led to conflicts with officials and her subsequent move to the United States.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, voiced serious concern over the escalating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the Philippines, particularly among teenagers. As of May 2023, there were a total of 1,256 new HIV cases reported, with an average of 48 cases per day. The data disclosed by the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines revealed that 26 percent of individuals had an “advanced HIV infection” at the time of diagnosis, including 20 percent of cases among the youth.

The Philippines, grappling with an alarming TB burden, has witnessed a stark 37 percent decline in TB case notifications in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is stepping in with crucial support, launching a dedicated TB Recovery Plan to bolster the National TB Program’s efforts in combating this scourge. We also spoke with Dr. Hansel E. Ybañez, field operations manager for USAID.