Spreading positivity
The Philippines is one of nine countries in the world that has an increasing number of new cases of HIV or human immunodeficiency virus, with an incidence rate of more than 25 percent, according to UNAIDS. To date, there is one new case every hour as reported by the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau in the HIV and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP). HIV is a topic that is avoided by most people since it presents something ominous and lifelong. Add to that the manner of transmission of the virus: through unprotected penetrative sex and sharing of contaminated needles and syringes—taboo subjects that still raise eyebrows among conservatives and liberals alike. The stigma (and discrimination) around HIV is so thick and malicious, it maligns not only those living with the disease but also the people involved in HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. Mitch Oral, Philamer Baes, Mena [...]