A Department of Health (DOH) official has called for the normalization of discussions on safe sex and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing, warning that stigma and silence continue to drive what she described as a “silent epidemic” in the country.

“Until such time that you’re already comfortable talking about safe sex, we’re not safe from HIV. As long as we are ashamed to freely discuss safe sex, we won’t learn how to get protected from the disease,” DOH’s Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) Director Tina Marasigan said during the agency’s “World AIDS Day Community Event” at the Lyceum of Alabang in Muntinlupa.

She said public health efforts will fall short unless educators, guidance counselors, and health officials open safe spaces for dialogue, particularly for the youth.

“This is a challenge for the teaching personnel, guidance counsellors and for my fellow public health officials to listen to the younger crop. It’s a direct challenge to all public health experts for them to open a safe space where sex can be normally discussed since HIV is a health concern in the Philippines,” she said.

Marasigan underscored the urgency of addressing stigma, citing studies showing the continued rise in HIV infections.

“Based on studies, 61 people get afflicted with HIV each day. It’s a silent epidemic,” she said.

She urged participants from various sectors to take part in breaking barriers around sex education and HIV awareness.

“So, as a parting shot, I appeal that you do your own contribution so that there will be an open space for everyone to talk about sex. If we’ll be able to remove the stigma on discussing sex freely, then the stigma on HIV will follow,” said Marasigan.

According to her, creating an environment where asking questions is encouraged is key to prevention.

“It will be cool and normal to get tested. Learn to ask and if someone does so, do not judge. Because asking means you want to protect yourself,” she said.

“Don’t be ashamed to ask because it opens the gate to learning. So, your assignment is to make HIV literacy and HIV education normal by starting to ask smart questions about safe sex!” she went on.

Data presented by the DOH during the Senate Committee on Health and Demography hearing on Dec. 9 showed that 217,700 people are already living with HIV in the country.