The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) joins the observance of Zero HIV Stigma Day on 21 July 2026 and encourages every Filipino to stand against the stigma surrounding people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). CHR reaffirms that dignity, equality, and access to healthcare are universal human rights that must be enjoyed by all, including persons living with HIV.

According to the HIV & AIDS Surveillance of the Philippines Report by the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau, the first quarter of 2026 alone reported 4,633 new HIV cases [1, p.1]. While this represents a 9% decrease compared to the same period in 2025, the Commission remains deeply concerned about the continuing vulnerability of our youth. The report shows that 31% of these newly reported cases involve young people aged 15 to 24 years old. Even more alarming, it documents a 111.51% increase in HIV cases among minors aged 15 years old and below, from March 2021 to March 2026 [1, p.3] . These figures underscore a troubling reality: the HIV epidemic is affecting younger Filipinos at an alarming rate.

While awareness of HIV has significantly improved over the years, the specific challenge of stigmatization for those living with HIV still persists. This pervasive fear of discrimination contributes heavily to the hesitance of some individuals to come forward, get tested, or seek life-saving medical help. Normalizing HIV screening is essential to break this fear, as early detection guarantees timely treatment and empowers individuals to protect their health.

The Commission notes the efforts of the DOH, the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), and other relevant agencies and non-government organizations in making the testing, treatment, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) management of HIV highly accessible to the public, and for championing campaigns that promote early prevention and community-based support.

In light of the recently reported shortage of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, the CHR welcomes the DOH’s announcement of the arrival of a new batch of approximately 455,000 bottles of ARVs [2]. The recent public anxieties surrounding the shortage highlight the critical need for a resilient healthcare system to fulfill the State’s obligation to ensure the right to health for all its citizens.

In this regard, the Commission urges everyone to eliminate stigmatization and become active partners in disseminating the right information about HIV. Noteworthy, HIV is not transmitted through casual physical contact such as hugging, sharing utensils, or shaking hands. It is important to amplify the scientifically proven principle of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) which means that individuals on regular treatment with an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. 

With this, the Commission stands in solidarity with those living with HIV and reiterates that health is a fundamental human right. Under Republic Act No. 11166, or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, the State guarantees full protection of people living with HIV from any form of discrimination. Furthermore, the law strongly emphasizes the absolute confidentiality of an individual’s HIV status, mandating strict privacy of medical records and prohibiting the unauthorized disclosure of any HIV-related information without written consent.

The CHR call on all sectors of society to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can access the care they need without fear of prejudice.  

________

References: 
[1] Department of Health – Epidemiology Bureau. HIV & AIDS Surveillance of the Philippines Report: First Quarter. Manila: Department of Health, 2026. https://bit.ly/HASP2026Q1rev.

[2] Philippine News Agency. “DOH Clears First Tranche of HIV Medicines for Rollout Next Week.” July 10, 2026. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279220.