Chem-sex, or engaging in sexual activities while under the influence of drugs, was once part of the life of community development officer Jose.
“A neighbor once offered me to try it for fun, claiming it gives a heightened connection with others involved,” ‘Jose’ mentioned.
This led to Jose being hospitalized twice, including time in a psychiatric ward, in 2022.
“When I engaged in chem-sex, bad people came along who raped me and overdosed me with drugs. That’s when I asked friends to take me to the ER,” ‘Jose’ added.
In March 2023, he tested positive for HIV, completely changing his life.
Jose is now one of over 200,000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Philippines.
The Department of Health (DOH) warns that cases may reach 400,000 by 2030 if not addressed.
In Baguio City, the first recorded case of HIV was in 1992, marking the start of what has been called a silent epidemic.
This year, 50 new cases were recorded, bringing the total to 211, up from 160 last year.
Most of the new cases involve men having sex with men.
According to Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, City Health Services Office (CHSO), “It’s been a persistent problem. It hasn’t stopped or decreased.”
Alarmingly, 15-20% of those who tested positive also developed tuberculosis.
Early intervention is critical to prevent HIV from progressing to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the final stage of HIV that often leads to death.
Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is essential for managing HIV.
“More than 85% of those on treatment have reduced their viral load to undetectable levels, making the virus untransmittable,” Dr. Brillantes mentioned.
The City Health Services Office aims to expand its HIV programs this year.
On December 8, a walkathon will be held to commemorate those who died from AIDS.
BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
