EDITORIAL - Know your status

Public awareness of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and the human immunodeficiency virus that causes it has grown exponentially. The alarming global spread of HIV and the lack of a cure for AIDS put it on the agenda of the World Health Organization. On Dec. 1, 1988, the WHO observed the first World AIDS Day.

Today, the rate of infection has slowed down in several countries, but there is still no cure. And increased public awareness has not sufficiently diminished the stigma attached to HIV / AIDS. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Some of those infected can also be in denial and refuse to undergo testing, depriving themselves of precious time for early diagnosis and treatment.

In 2017, records showed 940,000 deaths worldwide from full-blown AIDS, with 1.8 million new cases of HIV infections, bringing to 36.9 million the number of people living with the virus worldwide. Despite advances in treatment options and increased public awareness, AIDS has claimed 35 million lives globally.

This should be alarming particularly in the Philippines, where health experts say HIV is spreading at its fastest rate in the Asia-Pacific. Records of the Department of Health say the infection rate is fastest among men having sex with men. But those engaging in heterosexual sex are also at risk as well as individuals who share hypodermic needles.

The country joins the international community in observing World AIDS Day today by reminding the public to undergo HIV testing. This is in line with the theme of the special day for this year: know your status.

Early diagnosis can prolong lives and allow those living with HIV to be healthy enough for employment, formal education and other regular activities. Symptoms of HIV infection have become well known, and extensive information can be accessed digitally. The government has treatment packs worth P30,000 each that are good for an entire year and available for free. There are counseling programs for coping with the infection and shifting to a healthier lifestyle.

There is still no foolproof cure for AIDS, but there are documented cases of the illness being reversed and the infection requiring merely maintenance treatment. In all cases, early diagnosis is critical for timely treatment. People generally know if they belong to vulnerable sectors or are engaged in unsafe practices that put them at risk of HIV infection. The sooner they have themselves tested for HIV, the better their chances of long-term survival.