The historically low incidence of HIV in the Philippines has increased 500 percent between 2007 and 2011, The Wall Street Journal reports. Experts warn that despite its previously low infection rate, the nation has all the ingredients of a massive epidemic—widespread prostitution, multiple sexual partners, low condom use and a large part of the population working overseas in regions with high HIV rates. Meanwhile, public spending on HIV prevention, treatment and care has dropped from $1.9 million to $1.6 million a year during the past two years. A bill that would dedicate $9.6 million of public funds toward outreach and condom distribution has been drafted, but it has yet to pass.
To read the Journal article, click here.
