HIV crisis in the Philippines: urgent actions needed

Gangcuangco, Louie Mar A.

doi:10.1016/s2468-2667(18)30265-2

Cited by 38 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Currently in the Philippines, the UNAIDS reports 32% of individuals with HIV are on anti-retroviral therapy and 82% remain on this 12 months after commencing treatment [2]. Long-term strategies for epidemic control will rely on strengthening the present HIV system in the country.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Is the Philippines ready for HIV self-testing?

Gohil

Baja

et al. 2020

BMC Public Health

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Background: The Philippines is facing a rapidly rising HIV epidemic among young men who have sex with men (MSM). Testing rates among young populations is poor. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising strategy to address this testing gap. The study's purpose was to explore the perceived acceptability, feasibility and programmatic challenges of HIVST among key informants and target users. Method: A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGD). We interviewed 15 key informants involved with HIV testing programs or policies and 42 target users in six FGD in Metro Manila. We held separate discussions with high socioeconomic MSM (n = 12), urban poor MSM (n = 15) and transgender women (TGW) (n = 15). Results were analysed using a thematic framework approach. Results: MSM and TGW welcomed the convenience and privacy HIVST could provide. They preferred an inexpensive accurate blood-based kit attained from reputable sites. Key informants at national and local level equally welcomed HIVST but identified a number of policy and regulatory issues. Both groups articulated the challenge of enrolling those who test reactive using HIVST to further testing and treatment in an environment characterised by acute stigma around HIV. Conclusions: HIVST was found to be highly acceptable to target users and was welcomed as an additional testing approach at national level. Strategic alliances are now needed between stakeholders to proactively deliver a patientcentred HIVST program that could provide an effective, safe means of increasing testing coverage in this escalating context.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The Philippines is experiencing the most rapidly escalating HIV epidemic in the world [1]. Between 2010 and 2017 there has been a 174% increase of the HIV incidence [2]. A concentrated epidemic exists among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), with eight regions having a prevalence above 5% in these groups [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Is the Philippines ready for HIV self-testing?

Gohil

Baja

et al. 2020

BMC Public Health

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“…remain on this 12 months after commencing treatment [2]. The Philippines will require an evidencebased intervention to ensure linking these hidden populations to care.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are the Philippines ready for HIV self-testing?

Gohil

Baja

et al. 2019

Preprint

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Background: The Philippines is facing a rapidly rising HIV epidemic among young men who have sex with men (MSM). Testing rates among young populations is poor. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a promising strategy to address this testing gap. Exploring the perceived acceptability, feasibility and programmatic challenges of HIVST among key informants and target users is an important first step.Method: A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGD). We interviewed 15 key informants involved with HIV testing programs or policies and 42 target users in six FGD in Metro Manila. We held separate discussions with high socio-economic MSM (n= 12), urban poor MSM (n=15) and transgender women (TGW) (n= 15). Results were analysed using a thematic framework approach.Results: MSM and TGW welcomed the convenience and privacy HIVST could provide. They preferred an inexpensive accurate blood-based kit attained from reputable sites. Key informants at national and local level equally welcomed HIVST but identified a number of policy and regulatory issues. Both groups articulated the challenge of enrolling those who test reactive using HIVST to further testing and treatment in an environment characterised by acute stigma around HIV.Conclusions: HIVST was found to be highly acceptable to target users and was welcomed as an additional testing approach at national level. Strategic alliances are now needed between stakeholders to proactively deliver a patient-centred HIVST program that could provide an effective, safe means of increasing testing coverage in this escalating context.

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“…The HIV epidemic in the Philippines has been changing rapidly. The past decade has witnessed dramatic increases in new diagnoses and a shift in the modes of transmission so that most new infections are now occurring among 'men who have sex with men' (MSM) (Gangcuangco, 2019;Ross et al, 2015). In 2019 there were 12,778 newly diagnosed cases of HIV, of whom 95% were men, making it the fastest growing epidemic in the Asia Pacific region, more than doubling in size between 2010 and 2016 (Department of Health, 2019; UNAIDS, 2017).…”

Section: Article History Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%