While HIV is declining globally, the Philippines stands in stark contrast, experiencing a 411% increase in daily incidence between 2012 and 2023, as reported to the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines. Now recognized as the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the Western Pacific region, the country is facing a mounting public health challenge with limited data on the virus’ regional molecular epidemiology.
The U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other partners, is conducting a study to characterize HIV-1 viruses that are currently circulating in the Philippines. Researchers analyzed recent samples (2022-2024) from 22 people living with HIV in the Philippines, revealing findings that could inform both prevention and treatment strategies in the region.
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