House Deputy Majority Leader and former health secretary Janette Garin said Wednesday that instead of declaring public health emergency due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the government must make medicines available and accessible.
“We really don’t need to declare a public health emergency but what is needed here is a constant reminder. Declaring national health emergency will not make any difference,” Garin said.
Garin said that a public health emergency is declared when there is a need to secure additional funding, rapidly mobilize resources, or strengthen international partnerships—conditions that may not be necessary in the current HIV situation.
“You are declaring a public health emergency if you need to find new funds, mobilize resources and intensify global collaboration,” according to the Iloilo first district representative.
Garin pointed out that the increase in reported HIV cases is expected, as more individuals are now getting tested compared to previous years. “It is the availability of testing, the awareness of the people that increased the cases,” she said.
According to the Department of Health, there are 57 new confirmed HIV cases reported daily from January to March this year—representing over 500% increase compared to previous years.
She said the government should focus on raising HIV awareness to help prevent new infections and protect individuals, particularly by removing the stigma around the disease.
“Our constant reminder—no to stigma, no to discrimination and learn how to protect each other, so there won’t be others who will be tested positive (for HIV),” Garin pointed out.
Garin reiterated that compassion, education, and access to medical care—not fear—are the most effective tools in protecting individuals and communities from HIV.
