Philippine National AIDS Council Convenes Inaugural HIV Summit
On Friday, September 8, the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) held its inaugural HIV Summit to address the urgent challenges posed by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The summit, aligned with Republic Act (RA) 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, showcased the government’s commitment to a comprehensive and multi-sectoral response to HIV and AIDS.
The summit, which took place in Pasay City, was attended by stakeholders and government officials, including Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. Secretary Herbosa highlighted the importance of addressing the issue, particularly among young individuals, and expressed his commitment to eliminate discrimination and uphold the rights and dignity of people living with HIV.
The theme of the summit was “Striving for a Nation Free from the Shackles of HIV,” aiming to unite stakeholders in addressing the multifaceted issues related to HIV and AIDS. One of the primary objectives of the summit was to increase awareness of the PNAC’s mission, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and promote social justice through the PNAC human rights roadmap.
Among the challenges faced by the PNAC is funding. DOH Health Special Concerns Team Undersecretary Dr. Maria Francia Laxamana acknowledged the lack of funds from the national government in previous years. However, she noted that the Senate has allocated a budget for the council for the first time in 2023, emphasizing the importance of a unified voice in advocating for resources to combat HIV and AIDS.
Central to the discussions at the summit was the nation’s 7th AIDS Medium Term Plan (AMTP), a blueprint for coordinated efforts to address the HIV crisis and its contributing factors. The plan includes targets to prevent new infections, treat people living with HIV, protect their rights, strengthen governance and leadership, and ensure a fully resourced and crisis-resilient HIV response.
The summit also highlighted the Human Rights Roadmap, a strategic plan aimed at eliminating stigma and discrimination associated with Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) and key affected populations. The roadmap outlines objectives, significant actions, milestones, and a six-year timeline, facilitating communication of the government’s policy direction.
To further address concerns related to HIV and AIDS, the Philippine government introduced the National Advocacy Plan (NAP) 2022–2028. Aligned with the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), the plan empowers rights-holders while enhancing the responsibility of duty-bearers to uphold and respect human rights.
The PNAC’s inaugural HIV Summit served as a vital platform to address the pressing challenges of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines. With the government’s commitment and the collaboration of stakeholders, the summit aimed to pave the way for a nation free from the shackles of HIV.
