Books

First Book on HIV and AIDS in the Philippines Launched

AIDS in the Philippines, the first book that provides important information and a comprehensive account of Philippine experiences on HIV and AIDS, was launched last October 29, 2009 at Annabel's, Tomas Morato, during the Annual Membership Meeting of the AIDS Society of the Philippines at 1:00 in the afternoon.

For the first time in the 25-year history of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines, an extensive documentation on the changing trends and patterns of HIV infection and the country’s response is now in a book written by contributors who studied the beginnings of HIV infection until its increasingly rapid transmission among wider sectors of the population today. From 1984 to August 2009, the registry recorded a cumulative total of 4,082 cases. Unprotected sexual activities remain the most common mode of transmission.

Edited by Dr. Ofelia T. Monzon, who pioneered HIV investigative research studies that paved the way for early efforts to prevent further infection, AIDS in the Philippines contains 18 chapters authored by experts who have been at the core of scientific studies, clinical management, psychosocial responses, prevention, and policy making on HIV and AIDS.

The book covers basic scientific information about HIV infection and highlights results of investigations on the distribution of HIV serotypes, clinical and pathological findings among intensively studied Filipino patients prior to availability of antiretroviral therapy, the extent of transmission among risk groups, the disease’s social and economic impact on infected and affected individuals, and the responses from government and other sectors.  Nursing care and preventive methods in the health care setting as well as special issues such as ethical aspects in research studies, prevention of transmission from mother to child, pediatrics AIDS, IV drug use, counseling, and other aspects are also discussed.

The Philippines is known for its seemingly low numbers of known HIV infections because of early prevention efforts involving many sectors of society starting in the mid 1980s. However, the government registry is documenting an increasing number of HIV infections and deaths from AIDS complications among Filipinos.

What the experts and other readers say...

"A full and accurate historical account of a country's AIDS response is a legacy for generations. This book is the first of its kind on the Philippines and offers lessons and insights for everyone committed to being ahead and turning around the epidemic in the country."

Peter K. Piot

Executive Director, UNAIDS

"This book addresses the important impact of HIV and AIDS on a country that has been at the forefront of prevention, education, and treatment."

Jay A. Levy, MD

(Author: "HIV and the Pathogenesis of AIDS")

Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco

"I am a gay person infected with HIV and the lessons learned from my life have kept me moving forward. I urge readers to learn about HIV and AIDS as experienced here in the Philippines and to support our struggle to prevent the further spread of the infection."

Josua T. Formentera

President, Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc.

"Congratulations for this excellent publication 'AIDS in the Philippines'. The book deals with AIDS both in great depth and breadth. It will be an invaluable referece for AIDS experts everywhere and a fitting testimony to the leadership that Prof. Monzon has played in the response to AIDS in the Philippines."

Prof. Roy Chan Kum Wah

Head, National STI Programme and Former President of the AIDS Society for Asia and Pacific, Singapore

"As the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Philippines moves from 'low and slow' to 'hidden and growing', we continue to see extremes of complacency or panic, both fueled by rumors and hearsay. This book is therefore most timely with its comprehensive information on HIV/AIDS in the Philippines."

Michael L. Tan, Ph.D.

Opinion Editor, Philippine Daily Inquirer

"This book is extremely relevant to the practice of medicine in the Philippines and the inclusion of our Philippine experience together with the global view on AIDS makes it a very useful guide for students and practitioners of healthcare in all fields. It is a landmark project that should be in everyone's medical library."

Joven R. Cuanang, MD

Former Dean, St. Luke's College of Medicine, and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs, St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City, Philippines

"Coming out as an HIV positive person is a challenge when you’re living in a country that has an impressive situation in terms of conservativeness. A book such as “AIDS in the Philippines" is indeed a powerful literature that will help in the awakening of the Filipino people in our sustained struggle to accept the reality of HIV/ AIDS in the country."

Humphrey Gorriceta

HIV and AIDS Advocate/ Volunteer Counselor, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine