Authors :
Gemelyn S. Hermosura; Zyrene Joy Ethyl Arobio; Shane M. Landicho; Gecelene C. Estorico
Volume/Issue :
Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 11 - November
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/yc24jcet
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/mrdezwtx
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14332505
Abstract :
The Philippines is experiencing a rapid rise in
HIV cases, placing it among the fastest growing HIV
epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region. The epidemic
disproportionately affects key populations including
MSM, transgender women, sex workers, and PWID-men
and women who inject drugs. The members of these
groups face a number of barriers to accessing HIV
prevention and treatment services, including stigma and
discrimination as well as inequalities in access to
healthcare across geographic regions. The objective of
this systematic review is to review the trends, risk factors,
barriers, and effectiveness of HIV prevention
interventions in the Philippines, focusing specifically on
studies published between 2000 and 2024. Utilizing the
PRISMA methodology, 21 studies were identified based
on relevance to HIV risk and prevention among critical
populations. Thus, it shows that there is a worrying
upward trend in HIV incidence, especially among PWID,
with prevalence peaking at 75% in 2010 in Metro Cebu.
Stigma and provider mistrust, as well as significant
barriers related to access to healthcare facilities,
determined low testing rates and delayed treatment.
Promising interventions included rights-based education,
community-led HIV care models, and HIVST, each
demonstrating positive outcomes in increasing testing
and treatment initiation. However, for these programs to
achieve long-term effects, they must be scaled up and
sustained. The results point to the urgent need for
culturally relevant interventions and policy reforms that
will combat stigma, ensure comparable access to services
for all marginalized groups, bridge prevailing gaps in this
research, including regarding young persons and the
rural sector, and increase the public health response and
imperative inclusive approaches to change the trajectory
of the HIV epidemic in the Philippines.
Keywords :
Rapid Rise in HIV Cases, Key Populations, MSM (Men Who Have Sex With Men), PWID (People Who Inject Drugs), Stigma and Discrimination, Inequalities in Access to Healthcare.
References :
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The Philippines is experiencing a rapid rise in
HIV cases, placing it among the fastest growing HIV
epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region. The epidemic
disproportionately affects key populations including
MSM, transgender women, sex workers, and PWID-men
and women who inject drugs. The members of these
groups face a number of barriers to accessing HIV
prevention and treatment services, including stigma and
discrimination as well as inequalities in access to
healthcare across geographic regions. The objective of
this systematic review is to review the trends, risk factors,
barriers, and effectiveness of HIV prevention
interventions in the Philippines, focusing specifically on
studies published between 2000 and 2024. Utilizing the
PRISMA methodology, 21 studies were identified based
on relevance to HIV risk and prevention among critical
populations. Thus, it shows that there is a worrying
upward trend in HIV incidence, especially among PWID,
with prevalence peaking at 75% in 2010 in Metro Cebu.
Stigma and provider mistrust, as well as significant
barriers related to access to healthcare facilities,
determined low testing rates and delayed treatment.
Promising interventions included rights-based education,
community-led HIV care models, and HIVST, each
demonstrating positive outcomes in increasing testing
and treatment initiation. However, for these programs to
achieve long-term effects, they must be scaled up and
sustained. The results point to the urgent need for
culturally relevant interventions and policy reforms that
will combat stigma, ensure comparable access to services
for all marginalized groups, bridge prevailing gaps in this
research, including regarding young persons and the
rural sector, and increase the public health response and
imperative inclusive approaches to change the trajectory
of the HIV epidemic in the Philippines.
Keywords :
Rapid Rise in HIV Cases, Key Populations, MSM (Men Who Have Sex With Men), PWID (People Who Inject Drugs), Stigma and Discrimination, Inequalities in Access to Healthcare.