Content by: marie, blumean, libruh, Butanding, stagemom, Abe Astrose, Poppy, & Satella
Artwork by: doops, hisevenn, & iyakalat
Disclaimer: All information in this publication has been proofread and checked by medical professionals.
General Overview of HIV and AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the immune system by destroying CD4 T cells — white blood cells that help the body fight disease. Without proper treatment, this can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) wherein the body is unable to fight germs and bacteria, and other disease-causing organisms.
AIDS was first reported among gay men which led to the suggested term for the syndrome gay-related immune deficiency (GRID) as it was discovered to be sexually transmitted. The term created discrimination against the LGBT+ community as people grew fearful of the disease and those infected.
However, later on into the epidemic, cases were reportedly spread due to sexual activity, childbirth, sharing of needles, blood transfusions, and even through breastfeeding. Though there’s still no cure for HIV/AIDS, medicines have been developed to slow the growth of the disease which in turn, had greatly reduced deaths from AIDS in many nations.
Statistics of HIV and AIDS
Since 1998 at the peak of HIV transmission, the number of infections globally decreased by 47%.
The number of AIDS-related deaths in the world has substantially decreased by 61% since its peak in 2004. By 2010, the AIDS mortality rate went down to 42%.
In 2020 alone, 37.6 million people worldwide were found to be living with HIV. However, only 84% of this population knew of their status, this means that approximately 6 out of the 37.6 million people did not know they had it.
In that same year, 71,000 out of 97,000 Filipinos are living with HIV and are aware of it. Hence, only 73% of those with HIV in the Philippines are aware of their health situation.
Majority of Filipinos who are aware they are living with HIV have access to treatment and medical care. Generally, they are adults aged 18 and older, and children aged 0-17 years.
Myths of HIV and AIDS
Myth 1: HIV can spread as a result of touching someone who has it
The virus can only be contracted by someone’s mucous membranes coming into contact with specific bodily fluids —blood, breast milk, preseminal, rectal and vaginal fluid, and semen— from those with HIV. Mere touch or even shared saliva will not transmit it.
Myth 2: HIV is transmissible via infected insects and pets
Pets and insects cannot transmit HIV as they do not reinject blood into a new person, even if they do happen to bite or come into contact with humans.
Myth 3: HIV can spread via infected water or food
HIV cannot survive long outside the human body. Once exposed to the external environment, such as water, air and heat from cooking, it dies. In cases where a person eats food with traces of the virus, their stomach acids would kill it.
Myth 4: If a couple has HIV, they do not need to protect themselves
A couple may have different strains of HIV so it is possible for them to transmit these varying strains to one another. The couple may be reinfected and it could complicate their treatment plans.
Myth 5: Blood transfusions raise the risk of HIV
At present, strict testing is done in blood donations to ensure that there are no contaminants in the donor’s blood. The donor’s blood is also taken through sterilized needles and materials, eradicating the risk for transmission.
Myth 6: HIV does not spread through oral sex
While these are rare cases, one can be exposed to the virus through infected fluids entering the mucous membranes of their mouths. Prevention methods include using dental dams or condoms during oral sex and, if one has an HIV+ partner, performing monogamous sex while ensuring that the partner takes consistent antiretrovial therapy.
Myth 7: HIV is not transmissible through saliva
HIV can be transmissible through mouth sores and bleeding gums.
Myth 8: It is not possible to contract HIV from a needle
Because HIV can survive for up to 42 days in a used needle, it is highly likely the virus can be contracted through sharing needles. It is mandatory that a person uses a new needle for each drug injection or tattoo design.
Our Call to Action and Message to the Public
Love Yourself Organization is an organization that raises HIV awareness in the Philippines and believes self-worth is key to building an empowered community. Self-worth is one of the factors in determining one's overall happiness. They aim to reach out to the community to spread attitudes, ideas, and practices that encourage loving one’s self. They raise awareness through social media campaigns. They also operate five community centers in Metro Manila, one in Cavite, and one in Cebu, where they provide free HIV/STI screening and same-day treatment. In 2019, Love Yourself has over 1,500 volunteers leading programs, outreach, and community centers. You can visit https://loveyourself.ph/ for more information, consultations, and facilities.
Those who have experienced stigma and discrimination are more vulnerable to HIV, and people who have HIV are more sensitive to stigma and discrimination. It is critical to participate in open conversations and research to get better knowledge to eradicate stigmas. To eliminate these stigmas, it is essential that we educate one another on the disease's transmission, prevention, and care, so that we are aware of how to handle it and communicate with individuals who have it.
Amarela stands in solidarity with the community, especially those victims who have been shamed and criticized, and those who have been victims of hatred. Each of us is important and holds a place in the world. Let’s end the cycle of prejudice and stereotypes by educating one another. Always remember that you are loved and use your voice to lift and support people living with AIDS as well as those who have not spoken out.
References
“History of HIV and AIDS.” Avert, n.d., https://www.avert.org/professionals/history-hiv-aids/overview
“HIV/AIDS.“ Mayo Clinic, n.d., ttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-causes/syc-20373524 HIV Stigma and Discrimination. Avert. (2019, October 10). https://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-social-issues/stigma-discrimination
“Philippines.” UNAIDS, n.d., https://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/philippines
Nall, Rachel. “HIV and AIDS: Transmission myths and facts.” Reviewed by Thomas Dean Chiampas, Medical News Today, 24 September 2020, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323832