The Philippines has the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Western Pacific. The latest national data shows that almost a third of the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases are among 15-24 years old.
As part of efforts to address this, Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project, a global initiative funded by PEPFAR and USAID and led by FHI 360, engaged youth leaders and influencers in a fun and interactive learning experience on HIV, sexual pleasure, and sexual health promotion through this year’s Young Influencers Convention.
The goal of the two-day convention was to develop and sustain collaboration between advocates and online influencers in promoting sexual health in various social media platforms.
“When it comes to HIV education and counseling among young people, fear and risk-based messaging should not be the only option,” said EpiC Philippines Project Director Teresita Bagasao. “Sex positive and pleasure-based messaging, especially when discussing HIV, increases one’s confidence in their sexual health, thereby encouraging people to access services for their personal protection.”
Speakers such as Ateneo Gender Hub’s Safe Spaces Coordinator and drag queen Clea Torres de La Torre, “Marahuyo Project” star and queer artist Adrian Lindayag, and prominent social media influencers Mathilda Airlines, Ice Neo, Jamie Casino, and Lorenz Olleres, discussed sexual pleasure in relation to HIV management and sexual health promotion.
The experiences of people who are on Pre-Exposure Prophy and people living with HIV were explored during the series of talk shows with the advocates and influencers. The Department of Health also attended to discuss health communication strategies, including the ramping up of the Undetectable Equals Undetectable campaign in the country.
“Pleasure matters because it empowers. Pleasure is power,” shared Adrian Lindayag.
“Hopefully, we will continue educating people, especially the youth who need protection They will be protected with the right information so let’s not stop educating people,” he added.
Launched in 2023 by EpiC, the Free to Be YOUTH HUB is a two-phase knowledge sharing and mentoring program for youth leaders, preparing them to become champions in the HIV response.
The first phase was dedicated to educating youth leaders on HIV innovations, including self-testing, PrEP, and ‘U=U’ or ‘Undetectable equals Untransmittable.’ The second phase, on the other hand, focused on enhancing the skills of the youth leaders on project development, leadership, advocacy, and digital influencing.
“More than ever, the platforms and competencies of young people on social media use should be optimized for HIV education and service access. Young influencers should be empowered and supported to transform their social media reach into better health outcomes in their generation,” Teresita Bagasao stressed.
