The Philippines is experiencing a “ new wave ” in the number of HIV-AIDS ( Human Immunodeficiency Virus – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ) cases and deaths , prompting the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV-AIDS ( UNAIDS ) to hold a virtual mission with key stakeholders .
According to Paula Munderi , UNAIDS HIV Prevention team leader , the Philippines has the fastest-rising growing HIV epidemic in the world and the fastest in the Asia-Pacific region . “ The alarming rate of 237 percent between 2019 and 2020 has been concentrated mainly
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among key populations , particularly young gay men and transgender women in urban centers in the Philippines ,” Munderi said in an interview on CNN Philippines .
Munderi added that
AIDS-related deaths have also increased by 450 percent despite the availability of life-saving treatment in 160 facilities across the country .
She said that one of the main factors of the increase in the number of cases was that the Philippines “ took the eye off the ball ” and stopped concentrating on prevention . UNAIDS MISSION IN PH
The alarming rise in
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AIDS cases was one of the reasons why UN- AIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima held a virtual mission with key health stakeholders and communities , Munderi said .
Byanyima discussed with stakeholders from the government , private sector and civil society groups , including Sen . Ana Theresia Hontiveros and Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd , the country ’ s HIV response strategy in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic . Munderi said the mission virtually visited an HIV community clinic in Iloilo City to get acquainted with community leaders at the frontline of the HIV
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response . “ The good news that we learned on this mission
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