HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects cells of the immune system, destroying or impairing their function. As the infection progresses, the immune system becomes weaker, and the person becomes more susceptible to infections. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It can take 10-15 years for an HIV-infected person to develop AIDS, and antiretroviaral drugs can slow the process even further.
"Everyday, 10 Filipinos infected with HIV"
(DOH NEC, March 2012).
The country is ONE of seven countries that recorded more than 25% increase in the number of new HIV infections. Starting 2007, 90% of the cases have HIV through sexual contact. The cases showed clearly the shift from predominantly heterosexual to bisexual and homosexual transmission, and many of them belong to the younger age group.
WHO Philippines programme on HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
The country office work on HIV and other STI in the Philippines covers programme development; institutional capacity building; policy formulation; advocacy, communication, and partnership buliding; and financial sustainability.
Project, feature stories and news
Publications and documents
Dr Susan P Mercado
Acting WHO Representative in the Philippines
HIV and other STI
mercados@wpro.who.int
