Exploring the realities of HIV/AIDS-related discrimination in Manila, Philippines

Abstract

Operating according to UNAIDS’ ‘Protocol for the Identification of Discrimination against People Living with HIV’, this study analysed health infrastructure in Manila, Philippines and determined that despite the existence of anti-discriminatory legislation, discrimination still occurred in practice. This was attributed to an absence of written regulations and inadequate training among health staff. Discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS has been found to be a hindrance to the development of successful preventive strategies, as it discourages people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and other people from contacting health and social services. This paper argues that if the Philippines is to maintain its low prevalence rate of HIV (and even reduce it), the discrimination that PLWHA incur must be addressed taking account of their human rights.

Acknowledgments

This research was part of a grant made by Ford Foundation to Deakin University for ‘A situational analysis of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in the Asia Pacific’. The Philippines was one of those six countries covered by this initiative. For their help and assistance we would like to thank Dr Daniel Reidpath and Ms Kit Yee Chan (Deakin University), Dr Lisa Messersmith (Ford Foundation). In the Philippines, this research was taken on by the Remedios AIDS Foundation, supported by a Technical Advisory Board, Pinoy Plus Association and some government agencies. We also would like to express our gratitude to all the investigators, all the people who had been involved. The investigators on the study included: Atty Rosalina Aquino, Atty Glenda Litong, Ms. Merceditas B. Apilado, Ms. Racquel Shokouhi, Ms Liza Fetalino, Mr Adonis Sucalit, Ms Nenita L. Ortega and Mr Benjamin Franklin Bicaldo.

Notes

1. As much as possible, the translation of policy and legislation aimed to convey the sense and intent of the original, and may not represent a strict legal translation.