Locationsby Andyleen Feje, UNDP Philippines HIV Response Analyst
On Supporting Localized HIV and AIDS Response
May 16, 2025
UNDP Philippines/Jilson Tiu
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), celebrated every 17th of May each year, is a reminder of the continuing fight against stigma, discrimination, and inequality experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities around the world.
This year, in alignment with the theme “The Power of Communities", UNDP Philippines puts a spotlight on how localized and inclusive health systems can create safer, more affirming spaces for people of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC).
Members of the Pinagpala Interlocal Health Zone actively participate in a workshop to map out the current landscape and future direction of Laguna's localized HIV and AIDS response.
HIV in the Philippines
The HIV epidemic continues to be a significant public health issue in the Philippines. As of December 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) has documented a cumulative total of 135,026 HIV-positive cases since January 1984. Alarmingly, in just the final quarter of 2024, 4,245 new cases were confirmed, reflecting an accelerating pace of new infections. The daily average of new diagnoses has more than doubled over the past nine years, from 21 cases per day in 2015 to 48 per day in 2024, marking a staggering 129% increase. Without intensified interventions, the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the country is projected to rise significantly, potentially reaching 401,700 by 2030 (4th Quarter of 2024 HIV and AIDS Surveillance of the Philippines or HASP Report). Among the key population groups are men who have sex with men and transgender people.
Localizing HIV and Health Response
In further response to this rising health concern, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in collaboration with DOH, the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) Secretariat, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, initiated an Interlocal Health Zone (ILHZ) strategy in Laguna province. This approach strategically utilizes the Pinagpala health network, comprising nine municipalities in Laguna, namely Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Magdalena, Majayjay, Luisiana, and Cavinti. Also supporting this initiative are referral hospitals such as Majayjay District Hospital, Luisiana District Hospital, and Laguna Medical Center as the core referral facility. This localization model involves local government units, non-government organizations, private sectors, faith-based groups, and community members. Guided by the principles outlined in the Local Government Code and Republic Act No. 11166 (Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act), the ILHZ model underlines collaborative governance, resource consolidation, and tailored interventions to address the unique HIV-related challenges at the community level.
Engaging the Key People in Laguna
On 27 March 2025, health sector representatives from local government units in the province of Laguna gathered for an orientation and consultation session, marking an important step towards the localization of HIV response efforts. Participants were engaged in discussions to identify specific local challenges, propose actionable solutions, and develop tailored strategies addressing the needs and realities faced by PLHIV and individuals at risk. These initial discussions will be complemented by consultations involving non-health sector representatives scheduled for May 2025. Targeted workshops in June 2025 will also address identified gaps, enhance community-based HIV testing and counseling services, and strengthen data collection practices. The outcomes and recommendations derived from these sessions will be presented to local chief executives in July 2025 to secure their support and commitment towards the effective implementation of the ILHZ strategy across Laguna.
According to Dr. Lyra Leron-Torres, Municipal Health Officer of Pagsanjan, Laguna, “the very essence of localizing HIV and health response to the LGU level is ownership. With the LGU’s ownership of the localized HIV response, the goal of providing quality services at the community level and the goal of reducing stigma and discrimination to persons living with HIV will be ensured.”
Why Localization Matters
When interventions are designed with the community at the forefront, they resonate more deeply and effectively. Localization ensures strategies are beyond mere data points, integrating real-life experiences and the voices of those directly affected. This community-driven approach not just builds trust but also fights stigma and discrimination.
Involving those on the ground, from health workers and CSOs to PLHIV and local advocates, also helps programs last. When interventions are rooted in community needs, they directly address ongoing and unique challenges on the ground. Hence, the localization of HIV and AIDS response strengthens local health systems from within and at the same time lays the foundation for healthier generations to come.
This IDAHOBIT 2025, UNDP Philippines stands in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Filipinos. Through inclusive, community-led approaches and localized health systems, we move toward a future where everyone, regardless of sex and SOGIE, can live with dignity, receive the care they deserve, and find belonging in a world that fully values who they are.
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