The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila and Palawan-based NGO Roots of Health commemorated World AIDS Day on 1 December with a forum emphasizing the importance of youth and community-led initiatives in addressing the HIV prevention gap in the Philippines. Since 2010, reported HIV infections in the country have surged by more than 550 percent, with around 57 new cases recorded daily, many among young people aged 15 to 23. Norwegian Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster highlighted persistent barriers to prevention, including stigma, limited reproductive health education, and reluctance to use condoms.
Roots of Health Executive Director Amina Evangelista Swanepoel emphasized the need to normalize open conversations about sex and relationships, while youth advocates from Puerto Princesa shared examples of peer-led sessions, mobile HIV screenings, and informal discussions with classmates and neighbors that help reduce fear and shame surrounding the virus.
A panel featuring representatives from Roots of Health, the Department of Health MIMAROPA, ACHIEVE, and TLF Share showcased community-based innovations such as condom dispensers in high-traffic areas, evening “sundown clinics,” HIV screenings, and digital storytelling campaigns aimed at challenging stigma. The discussion also explored how machine learning and AI could enhance HIV diagnosis and treatment.
HIV advocate Elena Felix warned that rising infection rates combined with shrinking donor funding require stronger investment in prevention measures. Ambassador Lyster reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to supporting community-driven models, citing recent Norwegian contributions to the Global Fund and Gavi. Forum participants agreed that empowering youth and communities, alongside sustained government financing, is essential to expanding testing, early diagnosis, and access to HIV prevention services across the Philippines.
