At a time when conversations about sex are more open than ever, HIV remains a silent threat that continues to claim thousands of lives in the Philippines and around the world.
Behind every statistic is a face, a story, and a dream interrupted.
While medical advancements have made the virus more manageable, stigma and misinformation still create barriers to testing, treatment, and prevention. For many, especially the youth, the question is no longer just about safe sex; it is about making informed, responsible choices in a world where risk and vulnerability often go unnoticed.
HIV is not just a public health issue; it is a human story.
The recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) is a cause for alarm, showing a 500% increase in the number of people living with HIV. Most of these new cases are young individuals, with the youngest patient recorded at 12 years old.
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the majority of these cases stem from male-to-male sexual contact.
Health experts continue to relay scientific ways to reduce risk. The DOH strongly urges avoiding casual sex whenever possible. But if abstinence is not an option, using protection such as condoms is strongly encouraged.
Testing for HIV and considering Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that HIV-negative individuals can take to significantly reduce their risk of acquiring the virus through sexual contact or injection drug use, is also being pushed.
Having one partner, the DOH added, is key to having a healthy relationship and to lowering risk. Avoiding multiple sexual partners and group sex will significantly reduce the chances of acquiring HIV.
However, some voices from the religious sector argue that young people should not only be taught about safe sex, but also βsacred sexββa concept they believe many have forgotten.
According to Balita, advocates believe itβs high time to revisit the churchβs teachings: that sex is a sacred act and should only be shared within the bonds of marriage. They argued that since society is treating sex casually and practiced with multiple partners outside of a committed, marital relationship, its sacredness is slowly diminishing.
What are your thoughts about it?