Zero HIV Stigma Day: What are your rights under the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act?

Zero HIV Stigma Day falls every July 21, and it serves as a reminder that people living with HIV deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and equal rights.

According to the Department of Health's HIV & AIDS Surveillance Report, the country recorded 4,633 new HIV cases in the first quarter of 2026.

This is 9% lower than the same period last year, but the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) noted that 31% of the new cases involved young people aged 15 to 24, highlighting the need to continue fighting misinformation, discrimination, and barriers to testing and treatment.

The CHR stressed that ending HIV is not only about improving access to healthcare, it also means ensuring that every person can seek testing, treatment, and support without fear of prejudice.

In the Philippines, these protections are guaranteed under Republic Act No. 11166, or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act.

Here's what the law says:

You have the right to confidentiality

Your HIV status is private.

Under the law, a person's HIV status, test results, and medical records cannot be shared without their written consent, except in very limited situations allowed by law.

Media organizations are also prohibited from publishing information that could identify a person living with HIV without permission.

You cannot be discriminated against

RA 11166 prohibits discrimination based on a person's actual, perceived, or suspected HIV status.

This includes discrimination in:

• Employment and hiring
• Schools and universities
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Housing and accommodation
• Insurance and credit services
• Access to public office
• Burial services
• Bullying, including online harassment

Violators may face fines (ranging from Php 50,000 to Php 500,000 or more), imprisonment (ranging from 6 months to 12 years), or administrative penalties.

HIV testing should be voluntary

As a general rule, HIV testing must be voluntary, confidential, and done with informed consent.

The law also requires pre-test and post-test counseling to help individuals understand the process and the results.

Access to treatment is protected

The government is mandated to provide free and accessible antiretroviral therapy (ART) and treatment for opportunistic infections through accredited treatment hubs.

Indigent persons living with HIV are also entitled to support programs to improve access to medical care.

You have the right to work and study

People living with HIV cannot be denied employment, dismissed from work, refused admission to school, or expelled solely because of their HIV status.

The law also requires employers and schools to put measures in place to prevent discrimination.

Health is a human right

In its statement marking Zero HIV Stigma Day, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) stressed that "dignity, equality, and access to healthcare are universal human rights that must be enjoyed by all, including persons living with HIV."

The CHR also urged Filipinos to help end stigma by sharing accurate information about HIV, noting that the virus is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils.

The Commission also highlighted the scientifically proven principle of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), which means people on effective treatment who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV. — LA, GMA News