We’ve come a long way. From treating STDs as a taboo topic in the Philippines, attitudes and healthcare practices are changing. We’re learning that open discussion and sexual education can lead to prevention. Filipinos have begun making efforts to spread awareness through seminars and counselling. However, we’ve still got a long journey ahead of us when it comes to STD awareness, treatment, and healthcare inclusions. Here are four fast facts about STDs in the Philippines to give you a better idea of where we stand today.
Fast Fact #1: HIV Rates Continue to Increase
HIV, an incurable STD that leads to AIDS, is on the rise in the Philippines. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the country. 44,000 cases were reported from 1984 to 2017, and it is still spreading at an alarming rate.