MANILA – Senate approved a bill addressing HIV and AIDS in the Philippines through better access to services and funds and the protection of sectors vulnerable to the infection.
Senate Bill 1390 aims to update Republic Act 8504, or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, and incorporate “lessons from the current HIV response” and “newer evidence-based, human rights-informed, and gender transformative strategies” to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS.
Addressing HIV and AIDS needs a “scientific, medical, human rights-based, and inclusive” policymaking process, said Sen. Risa Hontiveros, author of the bill.
The Department of Health recorded 11,103 cases of HIV and AIDS in 2017, higher than the 9,264 cases in 2016, 7,831 in 2015, 6,011 in 2014, 4,814 in 2013, and 3,338 in 2012.
The bill mandates the government to “improve access to HIV services, especially for key populations and vulnerable communities” and “ensure social and financial risk protection for those who need to access these services.”
It also seeks the provision of funds needed for HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and “up-to-date education about HIV and AIDS in schools, communities, workplaces, and vulnerable areas.”
Likewise the bill directs the government to “enhance anti-discrimination protection to promote the human rights of Filipinos living with HIV, key populations and vulnerable communities, and providers of HIV services.”
“At a time when stigma overrules government policies on this important health issue, we need to underscore that the foundation of curbing HIV must be based on the protection of human rights,” said Hontiveros.
Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito sponsored the measure./PN
