The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) has issued a crucial clarification to correct dangerous misconceptions about how the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) spreads in the country. The council firmly stated that the epidemic is fueled by specific high-risk behaviors and not by a person's sexual orientation.
Correcting the Narrative on HIV Transmission
In a statement released on December 16, 2025, the PNAC expressed alarm over prevailing public discussions that wrongly attribute HIV transmission solely to specific sexual orientations. The council emphasized that such narratives are not only incorrect but also deeply harmful.
"HIV is transmitted through specific bodily fluids and high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sexual intercourse and the sharing of needles, regardless of a person's sexual orientation," the PNAC explained. The council reinforced its core message: "HIV is driven by behaviors, not sexual orientation."
The Dangerous Impact of Misinformation
The PNAC revealed it has received reports of narratives that mistakenly equate HIV transmission with specific sexual orientations. Some even incorrectly suggest that heteronormativity is a preventive measure against the virus.
The council lamented that continuing to associate HIV with particular populations only serves to promote stigma and discrimination. "Statements that frame the LGBTQ+ community as the sole drivers of the epidemic foster a culture of fear, stigma and discrimination," the PNAC stated. This stigma negatively affects both Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) and the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Legal Protections Against Discrimination
The PNAC reminded the public that the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act provides strong legal protections. The law explicitly prohibits discriminatory acts against People Living with HIV.
Furthermore, the law makes it unlawful to disseminate false or misleading information on HIV and AIDS prevention, control, and care. This underscores the seriousness of spreading incorrect narratives about how the virus is transmitted.
By focusing on behaviors rather than identity, the PNAC aims to promote a more effective and compassionate public health response. The council's clarification is a vital step in combating misinformation and ensuring that HIV prevention efforts are based on scientific facts, not prejudice.
