Excitement is brewing in the Visayas with a groundbreaking PrEP initiative targeted at our youth, aiming to dramatically reduce the rising HIV rates among those aged 15-24. Iloilo City and the province, leading the way in new cases in Western Visayas, are at the forefront, with advocates working tirelessly to champion this innovative approach to HIV prevention.
Why Focus on Youth? The Concerning Numbers
Imagine this: Filipino youth generally begin their sexual experiences at 16, but many don’t start using condoms until they’re 17. That one-year gap could be a ticking time bomb for HIV, according to Dr. Jasper Ruby Vijar, a leading advocate for PrEP in Iloilo and an expert in sexual health. The majority of new cases in this region involve young people, with 150 new infections and four deaths reported from January to August 2024 alone. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, acts like a protective barrier, preventing HIV from entering CD4 cells and replicating. Although it’s been endorsed by WHO and freely available nationwide since 2019, it’s only now gaining momentum in places like Iloilo.
From Awareness to Implementation in Iloilo
As of June 2024, only 255 individuals in Region VI are using PrEP, according to DOH statistics. The hurdles? Stigma, lack of awareness in rural areas, and inconsistent sex education. However, there are signs of progress: a recent event at Cubix Park saw 25 new users sign up. Organizations such as the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines-Iloilo and Team Dugong Bughaw are intensifying their outreach efforts, particularly among high-risk groups like MSM and sex workers. As one user explained, “I was very active with multiple partners and was initially hesitant, but after researching, I felt convinced. Now, thanks to KnowTell clinic, I’m protected.”
Insights for a More Effective Rollout
To optimize this initiative for young people in the Visayas, we can learn from international best practices. The PrEPWatch 2025 report emphasizes creating youth-friendly environments: peer support, digital campaigns, and integrating clinics to avoid stigma. Early training for healthcare providers, deploying mobile units in rural areas, and incorporating sex education, as highlighted by DepEd Region VIII’s recent OKY integration in reproductive health, signal a broader focus on youth. As Dr. Vijar puts it, “Let’s dismantle stigma around HIV and sex. PrEP isn’t about promiscuity; it’s about empowerment.”
Our Appeal to the Community
This rollout is more than just medication; it’s about empowering our bakla, trans, and queer youth who are vulnerable in that critical window. Since HIV is linked to behavior, let’s emphasize education, remove stigma, and encourage access to PrEP where it’s available. Visayas, let’s work together to flatten this curve, prioritizing our youth for a safer future!
