MANILA, Philippines – In commemoration of World AIDS Day, the US government donated P85 million worth of HIV viral load cartridges to the Philippine government.

“Treatment as prevention is an effective strategy in many HIV programs globally. The science behind U equals U is clear. With HIV treatment, people living with HIV can no longer transmit the virus,” said US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

In 2021, there were some 12,300 reported cases of HIV in the Philippines. The majority of these cases were among males.

The Philippines, a population of 110 million, has the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region, with a 237% increase annually from 2010 to 2022.

Bonz Magsambol files this report. – Rappler.com