The archipelagic province of Palawan was harrowed by the news of a 13-year-old resident becoming the youngest ever to be infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the island through unprotected contact. This adds to the growing list of the recorded patients of the said virus—especially among minors.
As the number of HIV and other sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases continue to rise, the Program Coordinator of City Health Office (CHO), Ms. Regina Villapan, warns the public about 17 recorded cases of HIV among children up to 14 years old in Palawan and how it is continuously growing. The youngest was a newborn who contracted the virus through perinatal transmission.
This sparked urgent concerns that were blown out of proportion, failing to use social media as a discourse medium to raise awareness, but rather just foster misinformation and misplaced blame. Flooded with comments condemning and generalizing youth as individuals with uncontrollably worldly desires. They have turned a blind eye without actually looking at the other side of the coin—leading them to miss the fact that most sexual relationships involving minors are with adults. Basically, a form of statutory rape.
Stigmatized narratives twist the dark reality, which shifts the blame to the youth instead of looking over the societal and systemic failures that allowed teenagers to be victims of grooming, sexual harassment, and violence. Instead of pointing fingers, why not focus on what our communities can do to protect them?
With 709 cases out of Palawan’s total of 1,198 since 1988, Puerto Princesa earns the top seat in the municipality with the most number of recorded HIV cases across the MIMAROPA region. Making it one of the melting-spots of the said viral infection.
Globally, in 2023, approximately 86% of people living with HIV knew their status, while 14% remained unaware, highlighting the need for increased testing and access to care. In the Philippines, an estimated 40% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) are undiagnosed, with misconceptions about HIV and low awareness levels contributing to this issue.
Health-related organizations, HIV movement groups, and most especially the Department of Health (DOH) continue to urge the public to get tested and take preventive measures against HIV, emphasizing that testing is confidential and free.
Awareness is the first step towards eliminating stereotypes and stigma about HIV in society. Without the presence of a cure to HIV, there is still a long way to go—but needles don’t write a future without a silent scourge—but rather the hands that are clean from prejudice.
Article by: Mx. James Quesada, The Catalyst Feature Editor and SciTech Writer