House Leader Rejects Public Health Emergency on HIV
House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin believes the government does not need to declare a public health emergency amid the increase in HIV cases. Instead, she emphasized the importance of making medicines available and accessible to those affected.
“We really don’t need to declare a public health emergency pero ang kailangan dito ay constant reminder,” Garin said. “Declaring national health emergency will not make any difference.” As a former health secretary, she stressed that a public health emergency is typically declared to secure extra funding, quickly mobilize resources, or boost international partnerships—measures she sees as unnecessary for the current HIV situation.
Explaining the Rise in HIV Cases
Garin explained that the rise in reported HIV cases was expected because more people are now getting tested. “Unang una, itong kaso ng HIV, talagang expected na natin na tumaas, not because mababa siya dati kung hindi mataas na siya dati hindi lang natetest,” she said. “‘Yung availability of testing, ‘yung awareness ng tao ‘yan ang nagpapataas ng kaso.”
Health officials reported an average of 57 new confirmed HIV cases daily from January to March this year, marking a 500 percent spike compared to previous years. This increase reflects improved testing and awareness rather than an actual surge in infections.
Focus on Awareness and Reducing Stigma
Instead of declaring an emergency, Garin urged the government to prioritize spreading awareness to prevent new HIV infections. She highlighted the need to fight stigma and discrimination surrounding the disease.
“Our constant reminder—no to stigma, no to discrimination at paano mapoproktesyunan ang bawat isa para hindi na dumami ang nagpopositibo dito,” Garin said. Protecting individuals through education and accessible treatment is crucial to curbing the spread of HIV.
Local leaders noted that continuous public information campaigns and improving access to medication remain key strategies in managing the HIV situation without resorting to emergency declarations.
For more news and updates on HIV cases, visit Filipinokami.com.
