HIV Cases Rise in Philippines, Asia

Even as HIV prevalence stabilizes in many parts of the world, it continues to rise among men who have sex with men and among transgender persons in the Philippines and major Asian cities, according to the UN Development Program.

The situation may worsen further, UNDP said, unless nations strengthen their city-level responses. "We at the UN firmly believe that the key to achieving the MDGs [Millennium Development Goals] is through the localization of responses," said Renaud Meyer, UNDP's country director for the Philippines.

UNDP reported some success with its HIV prevention efforts, but it added that too few MSM and transgender persons are being reached by the programs. A recent UNDP study of Asia found that just 9 percent to 20 percent of MSM were covered by HIV services - falling far short of the MDG target of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, and support. Clifton Cortez, UNDP's HIV practice leader for Asia-Pacific, said progress is being thwarted by challenges including restrictive legal environments and selective enforcement policies.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.


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