PH updates its 20-year old HIV and AIDS Policy Act

Republic Act 11166, or The Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act of 2018 has been signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. The RA is meant to replace the 20-year-old Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act.

Salvador Panelo, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson, said that it was signed by the president last December 20. Panelo also mentioned the timeliness and relevance of its enactment and signing. This comes on the heels of a report of the Department of Health. The report disclosed “that our country has the highest percentage relative to the increase of new HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region.” It covered the period from 2010 to 2016.

Springboard to a better life with HIV, AIDS

Panelo explained that this new law provides a platform for establishing policies and programs with the aim of preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS. It will also help deliver proper treatment to Filipinos living with HIV “in accordance with evidence-based strategies and approaches which are in tune with key principles of human rights, gender equality and meaningful participation of communities.”

“We laud our lawmakers including various stakeholders who immensely contributed to the passage of an updated legal framework addressing HIV and AIDS,” said Panelo.

“This piece of landmark legislation will significantly reduce the stigma of people living with HIV or AIDS.”