The Commission on Human Rights joins the rest of the world in commemoration of World AIDS Day 2019. Every 1st of December, we come together to continue the fight against HIV, to give support and lift up people currently living with HIV, and to honor those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illness throughout history.

There are an estimated 36.7 million people around the world who live with HIV. Over the last four decades, over 35 million people have lost their lives to the disease, making it one of the most destructive in history. It is important that we commemorate the lives lost by continuing to take strides forward in AIDS research and working towards greater awareness and eliminating the disease one step at a time.

The Philippines has been reported to be the country with the fastest growing number of HIV cases in the world, according to to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS). At an alarming 13,384 new cases of HIV infections in 2018, the number of cases has risen by 203 percent since 2010. HIV is a severe problem that the country’s youth are facing today, and it is imperative that action is taken.

With the passing of the Philippines HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018 signed in December of last year, and its subsequent Implementing Rules and Regulations signed in July of this year, we commend the Philippine government for its continued support and efforts towards the fight against HIV. CHR hopes that this dedication follows the administration into 2020, and that we continue to work together towards a safer, healthier Philippines.###