MANILA, Philippines - By just looking at Humphrey’s outgoing and happy demeanor, it’s almost next to impossible to determine that he is stricken with a fatal disease. One that has infected a good number of young Filipinos in recent years the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Like most young Filipino men infected at a young age, he initially opted to hide the truth from his family and friends until he came to terms with his condition. Now, with proper medication, he has been managing his illness responsibly. He even volunteers for a non-profit organization that seeks to educate young people about high-risk behavior that might lead to HIV infection.
Between 1981 and 2007, the AIDS pandemic has killed more than 25 million people worldwide while an estimated 33.2 million people are living with HIV, making it one of the most lethal and destructive epidemics in human history.
Recently, HIV infection in the Philippines has increased nearly five-fold from 342 newly-reported infections in 2007 to 1,591 in 2010. In fact, among the 63 countries studied in the 2010 UNAIDS Global Report, the Philippines is one of only seven countries with an increasing number of HIV cases. All other countries report stable or decreasing infection rates.
A few days before World Aids Day, Front Row airs an important documentary that will shed light on HIV and AIDS in the Philippines and how it is now a reality the entire nation must face.
Positibo: A Front Row special airs tomorrow at 8:40 p.m. on GMA News TV.