On Building HIV and Health Literacy Among the Young Key Population

By Andyleen Feje, HIV Response Analyst of UNDP Philippines

April 6, 2024

The HIV situation in the Philippines remains a pressing public health concern, particularly among the youth demographic. According to the June 2023 HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) report by the Epidemiology Bureau of the Department of Health (DOH-EB), the number of HIV-positive reported cases has reached a total of 117,946 since January 1984, with young people aged 15-24 years old accounting for 29% of overall reported cases. Of the overall reported youth cases, 98% were acquired HIV through sexual contact¹. Today, as we join the celebration of World Health Day with the theme “My health, my right,” we recognize the need to give particular attention to our future: the youth. Prioritizing their health needs today means laying the foundation for a healthier tomorrow. With health as a basic human right, the youth should be able to make decisions about their own health and have access to safe and quality care free from any discrimination.

Youth and HIV Data

Young people are particularly vulnerable to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to several factors, including knowledge gaps, widespread misinformation about health, a lack of peer education, limited accessibility to HIV-related services, and persistent stigma. These compounding issues contribute significantly to the rising HIV incidence rates among young key populations. Trends indicate, as well, a growing complacency and a lack of emphasis on HIV prevention and inadequate provision of services in areas of greatest need. In the country, the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey 2021 (YAFS5, 2021) revealed a concerning decline in HIV/AIDS awareness among Filipino youth. Compared to 1994, where awareness stood at 95%, there has been a significant decrease of 19 percentage points. Only one in five young individuals possess comprehensive knowledge of HIV².

The Need for Comprehensive Sex Education

Inclusive sex education plays a key role in empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health. Sex education materials should be relevant, inclusive and must reflect the lived experiences and realities of today's youth. HIV prevention begins with understanding how to safeguard oneself and others from HIV transmission. By shifting the focus from abstinence-only approaches to promoting safe sex practices, comprehensive sex education can empower the youth to take control of their sexual health and reduce their risk of HIV transmission. This approach not only helps combat the spread of HIV/AIDS but also promotes a healthier and more informed generation of young people in the Philippines.

The Need for Gender-Affirming HIV and Health Services

Young key populations, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals, are disproportionately affected by health disparities, including higher rates of HIV/AIDS prevalence and barriers to accessing affirming healthcare services. Access to gender-affirming healthcare is essential for the well-being of transgender individuals, including access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services. Sensitization of healthcare providers should be bare minimum as they need to understand and respect the gender identity of their patients. This includes using the correct name and pronouns, respecting privacy and confidentiality, and providing affirming and non-judgmental care. By creating a safe and welcoming healthcare environment, young transgender and MSM individuals are more likely to engage in HIV care and treatment.

Young People Can Make a Difference

Under the SCALE Initiative, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Anti-Discrimination Alliance of Youth Leaders (PANTAY) Inc., is empowering the youth to make informed decisions on their sexual and reproductive health and help improve their access to HIV services. Through Project CLASH or Capacitating Youth Leaders for the Advancement of Sexual Health, UNDP and PANTAY leverage digital interventions to lessen the high-risk sexual behaviors and improve the health-seeking interests of young MSM and transgenders in selected communities in Muntinlupa City.

As part of the project, youth council leaders and young MSM and transgender from Barangays Poblacion, Buli, and Sucat were trained on the Basics of HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Communications and Digital Interventions and are now maximizing their sharing their learnings with their peers in their local communities. Project CLASH also plans to engage social media content creators to use their platforms in putting out educational content on SRHR, HIV and STIs, and SOGIESC. It will also conduct mobile games tournaments where young key populations in communities in Muntinlupa City will be engaged in discussions on HIV and SRHR and encouraged to undergo community-based screening of HIV and other STIs.

UNDP’s partnership with PANTAY proves that investing in youth-led organizations not only ensures that young voices are heard in the design and implementation of healthcare programs, but also promotes ownership and sustainability within communities. As youth-led organizations are uniquely positioned to reach their peers, they can be our best ally in relaying relevant and relatable health information, dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and promoting healthy behaviors. They can be our partners in advocating for policy reforms and community-based interventions that address the underlying determinants of health disparities among youth, among themselves.

By supporting youth-led organizations, we uphold the core principle of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, that health and wellbeing is a human right, irrespective of age, gender, or social status. To enhance health and HIV literacy, we should embrace inclusive and comprehensive sex education, advocate for gender-affirming health services, and invest in tailored interventions for the young key population and youth in general. Empowering young people to take ownership of their health not only improves individual well-being, but also strengthens community resilience and advances a culture of health equity and social justice.

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

About PANTAY

PANTAY is a registered youth-led lobbying community advocating for gender-transformative and youth-responsive legislation in the Philippines. PANTAY promotes equality, respect for human rights, nondiscrimination, and non-violence.

About the SCALE Initiative

The SCALE Initiative underscores that empowering key population-led community organizations is not only essential but a driving force in achieving the 10-10-10 targets for HIV/AIDS. By actively involving these communities, the initiative ensures that the progress made is meaningful, sustainable, and aligned with the unique challenges faced by key populations.