01/07/2025
๐ข๐ก ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐๐๐ง๐๐ก๐ ๐ฃ๐ข๐ฆ๐ง๐ฆ ๐๐ก๐ฉ๐ข๐๐ฉ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฉ ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ฆ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ก
The Department of Health Central Visayas CHD (DOH Central Visayas CHD) strongly denies involvement in or endorsement of recent social media posts identifying an individual allegedly spreading HIV in Central Visayas.
Under Republic Act No. 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, the confidentiality of individuals tested for or living with HIV is strictly protected. Publicly naming or accusing any person without due process is a violation of their rights and contributes to harmful stigma and discrimination.
Stigma and discrimination remain among the greatest barriers to effectively addressing the HIV epidemic. These harmful attitudes not only isolate people living with HIV but also discourage others from getting tested, seeking treatment, or accessing the support they need. Discrimination in any formโwhether in person or onlineโundermines our collective efforts to create inclusive, compassionate, and healthy communities. Everyone, regardless of their HIV status, deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and empathy. Ending stigma is not only a moral imperative but also a public health priority.
The DOH Central Visayas CHD reminds the public to exercise caution, compassion, and respect when discussing public health matters. HIV is a manageable condition, and efforts to control its spread must be grounded in science, ethics, and the protection of human dignity.
We emphasize the important role of the media in sharing correct information and in being agents of truth, justice, and respect for all peopleโincluding those living with HIV.
We urge everyone to avoid sharing unverified content and to report such posts to appropriate platforms. For accurate information on HIV services, refer only to official DOH channels.