EXPLAINER: What is Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV?

In recent years, the Philippines has recorded a growing number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases, according to the AIDS Society of the Philippines (ASP).

The ASP said HIV in the country can now be considered an epidemic due to the accelerating rate of new infections rather than just the total number of cases.

According to the ASP, the estimated total number of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) as of March 2026 is 288,000.

Meanwhile, the organization reported that by 2030, young people aged 15 to 24 are projected to comprise the majority of HIV cases if proper interventions are not implemented.

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells that help fight off infections and diseases.

But how is it transmitted, and what are the available services in our country to address it?

Transmission

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HIV is transmitted through infected body fluids such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids.

An untreated pregnant mother living with HIV can also pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

In the Philippines, the ASP reported that 13 cases of mother-to-child HIV transmission (nine male and four female) were recorded from January to March 2026.

ASP president Dr. Rossana Ditangco underscored the importance of universal HIV testing among pregnant women.

“Kaya lahat ng buntis gusto nating ipa-test kasi isa lang buntis ang ma-miss natin diyan, isang bata ‘yan na may new infection. Kaya we are pushing for universal testing of all pregnant women. Kasi ang tolerance natin for mother-to-child transmission is zero,” Ditangco said.

(That is why we want all pregnant women to be tested, because if we miss even just one pregnant mother, that is one child who will contract a new infection. That is why we are pushing for universal testing of all pregnant women—because our tolerance for mother-to-child transmission is zero.)

“... Kasi once tested, the mother can start sa treatment at hindi na niya mai-infect ang kaniyang baby,” she added.

(... Because once tested, the mother can start treatment and will no longer infect her baby.)

Common misconceptions about HIV transmission include beliefs that it spreads through handshakes, toilet seats, swimming pools, kissing, sharing utensils, sneezing, coughing, public spaces and surfaces, sweat, tears, or saliva.

Normalizing HIV Testing

In pushing for better HIV awareness in the country, advocates are aiming to normalize testing first.

The ASP said that having more people consent to HIV testing will help prevent the further rise of HIV cases nationwide—individuals diagnosed with HIV will be provided with appropriate and timely treatment, while those who test negative can be further educated on how to protect themselves.

“Kasi kung normal na ang HIV test, para ka lang nagpa-general checkup, parang nasa package lang ng primary care mo, everybody will get tested nang walang ‘keme’ ika nga,” Ditangco said.

(If HIV testing becomes normalized, it will feel like getting a standard general checkup as part of your primary care package, and everybody will get tested without hesitation.)

According to the APS, the following forms of testing are available in the country and can be accessed free of charge: Rapid Testing, Self-Testing, Community-Based Screening (CBS), and the Rapid HIV Diagnostic Algorithm (rHIVda).

Treatment and prevention

The goal of HIV treatment is to significantly lower the viral level in the body to the point where it can no longer be efficiently transmitted to others.

“Once you start treatment, bababa ‘yung virus sa katawan niya at a very significant level, hindi na siya efficient manghawa ng iba. That’s why treatment is prevention,” Ditangco explained.

(Once you start treatment, the level of the virus in your body drops significantly, making it inefficient for you to infect others. That’s why treatment is prevention.)

This principle is widely known as “U=U,” which stands for “Undetectable equals Untransmittable.”

Under Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), HIV is managed by suppressing viral replication, restoring the immune system, and significantly delaying disease progression by targeting different stages of the HIV life cycle.

According to the ASP, currently available HIV treatments have improved, meaning the virus does not easily develop drug resistance, and patients experience fewer side effects.

The group emphasized that HIV treatment in the Philippines is free under the Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) package of PhilHealth.

For prevention, individuals who are potentially exposed to HIV can take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

PrEP comes in the form of a daily pill or a long-acting injectable taken before potential exposure to the virus. At present, oral PrEP pills are available in the Philippines.

According to Ditangco, injectable PrEP, which is administered once every six months, could soon be available in the Philippines through the Department of Health.

PEP, on the other hand, is taken by an HIV-negative person within 72 hours following a potential exposure to HIV. According to Ditangco, PEP is usually taken during unforeseen events during sexual activity—such as a condom breaking or slipping off.

PEP can also be taken after a needle-stick injury or if an individual shares needles.

Ultimately, the ASP urges a more holistic approach to addressing the HIV epidemic in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for medical assistance alongside mental health support, emotional care, and public education.

Moreover, destigmatizing HIV and supporting persons living with the virus also plays a crucial role in fostering awareness and encouraging more people to seek necessary treatment and support with acceptance rather than fear. —LDF, GMA News