Ease minor’s access to HIV testing

THE “fast and furious” increase in HIV cases in the country is a major problem that we all should be gravely concerned about. The problem needs an equally fast and furious, urgent and aggressive response from the government and all sectors of Philippine society.

According to the Philippine HIV/AIDS and ART Registry, 667 new HIV cases have been reported in March 2015 alone, which means 21 Filipinos were infected every day that month—a huge jump from the 2007 average which was only one case of HIV reported per day. The fact that 25 percent of those infected in March are young people aged 15-24 should cause us more concern.

The 2013 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study reported that 23 percent of Filipino youth had engaged in sexual activity before they reached the age of 18. Of these, 78 percent did not use protection in their first sexual experience. Given that the most common mode of viral transmission is sexual contact, unprotected sex among the Filipino youth exposes them to the risk of HIV infection.

To address this, we need a comprehensive program for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. This should include intensified public education campaigns and giving young people access to reproductive health products and services, including HIV testing and counseling.

There have been barriers to accessing HIV testing, especially for children aged 15 to 17 years because Republic Act No. 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 requires minors to secure parental consent before taking the test. The UN Convention on the Rights of a Child (CRC), however, recognizes the evolving capacities of the child. As signatory to the CRC, the Philippines should uphold our commitment and acknowledge that children 15-17 years of age can freely decide based on their needs. Therefore, the country should ease access to HIV testing which could save their lives and stop the spread of the virus.

As part of our continuing advocacy for adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights, the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population Development Foundation has been advocating for the amendment of RA 8504. Among the amendments we seek is the removal of the parental consent requirement for minors when seeking HIV-related services. We are confident that the provision of standard confidential pre- and post-test counseling by competent professionals will ensure that minors will be well-informed on their rights and options, specifically when it comes to HIV-related services.

We call on Congress to amend RA 8504 to lift this requirement and give 15- to 17-year-old minors access to HIV testing without the fear of their parents chastising them for their sexual choices. The youth are the future of our nation; let us provide them their needs so that they will be prepared to take on the challenge of leading our country toward greater heights.

—ROMEO C. DONGETO,

executive director

Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development, plcpdfound@plcpd.org.ph