RA 8504

• What is R.A. 8504?

  The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act
• How many new HIV cases are diagnosed daily in 2024?

  55 people
• How many people are living with HIV by the end of 2024?

  215,400
• What percentage of people living with HIV are receiving antiretroviral therapy?

  64%
• What age group accounts for nearly half of new HIV infections?

  15-24 years old
• What percentage of new HIV infections are among men who have sex with men?

  89%
• What are the contributing factors to the HIV/AIDS epidemic?

  1. Risky behaviors: unprotected sex, multiple partners, drug use
  2. Lack of awareness: myths and misinformation
  3. Stigma and discrimination: fear of testing and treatment
  4. Limited access to healthcare: barriers in rural areas
• Who leads the national HIV/AIDS strategy in the Philippines?

  The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC)
• What does R.A. 8504 mandate regarding HIV?

  Nationwide prevention, testing, treatment, and education
• What organizations conduct HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns?

  DOH, DepEd, and CHED
• What are the three stages of HIV infection?

  1. Acute HIV Infection
  2. Chronic HIV Infection
  3. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• When does acute HIV infection develop?

  Within 2-4 weeks after infection
• What happens during acute HIV infection?

  HIV multiplies rapidly and destroys CD4 T-lymphocytes
• What is the risk of HIV transmission during acute infection?

  Very high due to high viral load
• What is the typical progression from chronic HIV infection to AIDS?

  Usually advances in 10 years or longer without ART
• What is the CD4 count that indicates an AIDS diagnosis?

  Less than 200 cells/mm3
• How long do people with AIDS typically survive without treatment?

  About 3 years
• What are the key provisions of R.A. 8504?

  • Prevention programs: education and information campaigns
  • Free, voluntary, and confidential HIV testing
  • Free ART and medical support for PLHIV
  • Protection against discrimination
  • Ensuring confidentiality of test results
• What are the HIV prevention strategies?

  • Safe sex practices: condom use, regular STI testing
  • Harm reduction: needle exchange programs
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): medication to prevent HIV
  • Awareness campaigns for high-risk populations
• Where can individuals get tested for HIV in the Philippines?

  Government hospitals, clinics, NGOs
• What is the process for HIV testing and counseling?

  Pre-test counseling → Blood test → Post-test counseling
• What does RA 8504 mandate regarding confidentiality?

  Protection of test results
• What is the purpose of self-testing kits for HIV?

  To increase accessibility for high-risk individuals
• What are the advances in HIV/AIDS research and treatment?

  • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) improves life expectancy
  • New drugs and vaccines are under research
  • Examples of HIV functional cure cases: "Berlin Patient" and "London Patient"
• Who oversees the national implementation of R.A. 8504?

  The Department of Health (DOH)
• What is the role of Local Government Units (LGUs) in HIV/AIDS response?

  Disseminate information and provide free testing
• What do NGOs and advocacy groups do in HIV/AIDS response?

  Promote awareness campaigns and community outreach
• What are the roles of healthcare professionals in HIV/AIDS prevention?

  • Conduct HIV testing and ensure diagnostic accuracy
  • Provide pre- and post-test counseling
  • Educate patients on safe practices and ART
  • Uphold confidentiality and reduce stigma
• What are the roles of NGOs in the HIV/AIDS response?

  • LoveYourself PH: Free HIV testing and counseling
  • The Red Whistle: Awareness campaigns targeting youth
  • PAFPI: Support services for PLHIV and families
  • TLF Share Collective: Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights
• What is the importance of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT)?

  • Early detection leads to timely intervention
  • Ensures confidentiality for individuals
  • Helps track HIV prevalence for policy guidance
  • Available at hospitals and community organizations
• What treatment and support services are available for HIV/AIDS in the Philippines?

  • Free ART provided by the government
  • Psychosocial support programs for mental health
  • Philhealth benefits cover treatment expenses
  • Community organizations offer peer support
• How does the Philippine government address stigma and discrimination related to HIV?

  • Legal protection under R.A. 8504 and RA 11166
  • Community-led initiatives for awareness and support
  • Media promotes accurate information
  • Programs in schools and workplaces for integration
• What are the legal penalties for breaching confidentiality under R.A. 8504?

  6 months to 4 years imprisonment and fines
• What are the penalties for discrimination against PLHIV?

  6 months to 4 years imprisonment and fines
• What is the penalty for spreading false HIV/AIDS information?

  1 to 5 years imprisonment and fines
• What is the penalty for conducting HIV testing without consent?

  6 months to 2 years imprisonment and fines
• What are the penalties for denying HIV services?

  Fines of Php 50,000 to Php 100,000 and imprisonment
• What are the accreditation requirements for HIV testing laboratories?

  • Regulatory oversight by DOH and RITM
  • Licensing process for accreditation
  • Mandatory training for medical technologists
  • Quality assurance measures in place
• What facility requirements are needed for HIV testing laboratories?

  • Biosafety measures
  • Proper waste disposal
  • Adequate testing equipment
• What is the penalty for conducting HIV testing without informed consent?

  Imprisonment of 6 months to 2 years