Pasig City – On World AIDS Day 2024, the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), in partnership with the United Nations Joint Team on AIDS (UNJTA), held their annual commemoration. With representatives from various organizations and sectors in attendance, the celebration aimed to raise awareness on the AIDS pandemic caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Additionally, it sought to promote HIV prevention and testing which contributes to the goal of improving the overall health and well-being of Filipinos. 

In the welcoming remarks given by the Department of Education Assistant Secretary and Philippine National AIDS Council Vice-Chairperson Dexter A. Galban, he noted that “comprehensive healthcare is a fundamental human right.” Assistant Secretary Galban also underscored the need for adequate funding and the need for human rights-based policies, reflecting the importance of this year’s World AIDS Day theme: “Take the Rights Path.” 

From April to June 2023, over 4,000 new HIV infections were reported in the Philippines, with nearly 50% of those cases among young people aged 15-24. This highlights the urgency of addressing the HIV epidemic among the youth. 

In the keynote speech delivered on behalf of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Hon. Teodoro J. Herbosa by Undersecretary Dr. Gloria J. Balboa, she emphasized the critical need to “amplify awareness among the youth.” 

The Philippines has made significant progress in the fight against HIV. The implementation of Republic Act 11166 and the 7th AIDS Medium Term Plan provide a robust framework for a comprehensive national HIV response. These efforts focus on ensuring access to treatment, education, and prevention for all. Despite these strides, the Philippines remains a priority area for intensified HIV action due to rising cases. Undersecretary Dr. Balboa further mentioned the “need to intensify efforts in information dissemination to build a Philippines where HIV is no longer a public health concern.”

UNDP Philippines Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrie also expressed UNDP’s strong commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic through its partnerships and programs. He mentioned that: “through (our) partnerships with PNAC, DOH, and other stakeholders, we have worked to support a rights-based approach to the HIV response. This includes empowering young people to take the lead, fostering community-driven solutions, and leveraging technology to reach those who need it most.” He also highlighted UNDP’s ongoing initiative with the Philippine National AIDS Council and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which trains local youth leaders to respond to the HIV epidemic. He explained, “The goal of this capacity-building initiative is to empower youth leaders and support them in becoming active advocates and implementers in their communities.”

On World AIDS Day, we honor the lives lost to AIDS and celebrate the remarkable efforts and progress made in the fight against HIV. UNDP Philippines reaffirms its commitment to standing alongside the Department of Health and the United Nations Joint Team in AIDS in their shared mission to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. The "Rights Path" theme serves as a powerful call to action for everyone—government, healthcare providers, and communities alike—to uphold human rights, equality, and dignity for all people, regardless of their HIV status.  Ending AIDS requires unified, collective action — youth must play an active role, all sectors must commit to breaking barriers, and communities must lead the change. By fostering a safe, inclusive environment that ensures access to testing, treatment, and support, we can achieve a future free from AIDS—where no one is left behind. [E]