DOH chief lauds signing of HIV-AIDS Act

Duque said the law provides education and prevention programs for Persons Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV). (File photo: Department of Health (Philippines)/Facebook)

MANILA — Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Franciso Duque III lauded on Thursday the signing of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS) Act into law.

Duque said the signing of the HIV-AIDS Act is “a huge step forward in responding to the growing HIV epidemic in the Philippines”.

“Mabibigyan na natin ng tamang suporta ang mga Pilipinong may HIV-AIDS. Kaya naman lubos ang aming pasasalamat kay Presidente Duterte sa pagbibigay niya ng prayoridad at aksyon laban sa HIV-AIDS (We can now provide appropriate support to Filipinos with HIV-AIDS. That’s why we have deep gratitude for President Duterte for giving priority and action against HIV-AIDS),” he added.

Duque said the law provides education and prevention programs for Persons Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV).

“It also enables minors 15 years of age to get tested for HIV,” he added.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act into law, five days before Christmas but only made the confirmation on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the law’s enactment and signing were “timely and relevant” following a report from the DOH, which showed that the Philippines has the highest percentage relative to the increase of new HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region from 2010 to 2016.

Panelo added the new law provides for the establishment of policies and programs to deliver proper treatment, care and support services to PLHIVs.