"GMA News Investigates" looks at rising cases of HIV in PHL on SONA

Summary

The report from GMA News, led by Kara David, discusses the alarming rise in HIV cases in the Philippines, one of seven countries globally seeing a rapid increase. The story highlights the experience of Anna, a child born with HIV, and the growing number of children infected by their mothers. Despite the availability of antiretroviral drugs that extend the lives of those infected, there is still no cure. The report calls for urgent action from policymakers to address the rising epidemic, as the country struggles with limited resources and increasing transmission rates.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Philippines ranks among the top seven countries in the world with the fastest-growing HIV infection rates.
• 🏥 The Department of Health reports that the number of HIV cases has significantly increased in the past four years.
• 👶 'Miracle Baby' is a term used for a child born with HIV, highlighting the challenges faced from birth.
• 🩺 It was discovered that the child's mother, Anna, had HIV in her blood, which was transmitted to her child.
• 📈 From 2001 to 2009, there was a 25% increase in new HIV cases in the Philippines.
• 🌐 The Philippines is one of the few countries experiencing a rapid increase in new HIV cases, according to a United Nations report.
• 💊 Antiretroviral drugs are crucial for prolonging the lives of children with HIV, but they are expensive, ranging from Php 66,800 to Php 25,000.
• 🏥 The Extended Child Care Center at San Lazaro Hospital is the only facility in the country that caters to children with HIV.
• 🚑 Continuous access to antiretroviral medication is vital for the survival of HIV-positive individuals.
• 🌟 The story of JC, who was discovered to have HIV at the age of two and is now a healthy 21-year-old, emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment.

Q & A

What is the current HIV situation in the Philippines according to the report?

The Philippines is one of the seven countries in the world where HIV cases are rapidly increasing, according to the Department of Health.

Who is the 'longest living HIV carrier since birth' mentioned in the report?

The report highlights JC, who was diagnosed with HIV at six years old and is now a healthy 21-year-old. He is the longest living child infected with HIV since birth in the Philippines, and possibly in the world.

How was Anna, the seven-year-old child in the report, diagnosed with HIV?

Anna was diagnosed with HIV after doctors discovered the virus in her blood, which she inherited from her parents. Her father died of AIDS in 2005.

What is the significance of the San Lazaro Hospital mentioned in the report?

San Lazaro Hospital is the only facility in the Philippines that provides care for children with HIV, offering antiretroviral drugs to extend their lives.

What are the current challenges in controlling HIV spread in the Philippines?

The report states that low public awareness, risky practices, and limited access to testing and treatment are contributing factors to the rapid increase in HIV cases.

What is the estimated cost of antiretroviral drugs in the Philippines?

The cost of antiretroviral drugs in the Philippines ranges from PHP 66,800 to PHP 25,000 annually.

What does the report suggest is needed to address the HIV situation in the Philippines?

The report calls for urgent action and concrete solutions from policymakers to reduce the spread of HIV, beyond just reminding them of the issue.

What trend has been observed in HIV transmission from mothers to their children?

There has been an increase in cases where mothers transmit HIV to their children, with 52 children born with HIV in the Philippines, and four of them developing AIDS.

What percentage increase in new HIV cases was observed in the Philippines from 2001 to 2009?

From 2001 to 2009, the number of new HIV cases in the Philippines increased by 25%.

How does the Philippines compare to other countries in terms of HIV case trends?

While the Philippines has seen a rise in HIV cases, 56 countries have reported either halting the spread or significantly reducing new HIV infections.