Time has changed a lot since detection of first HIV infection in 1981, but a large number of people still face problem discussing their concerns about HIV infection. Blame it on the lack of sex education that such a spurt of HIV infection is being observed across the world, or to the stigma being attached with HIV infection that people contracted with HIV avoid facing society.

A happy-go-lucky Filipino, Humphrey Gorriceta Jr. was among those brave-hearts who battled the stigma of HIV infection, after being diagnosed with it in 2008, to tell the world about the disease.

Even the 32-year-old man took the courage to lend his helping hand in the campaign to educate the public about HIV. Gorriceta added, “Sana sa akin na matapos ang sakit na ito (I hope the disease will end with me). You will not know what depression is unless you’ve been there. I want to help other HIV patients”. Furthermore, HIV infection is reported to being spread among males of the age between 20 and 29.

As per the Department of Health (DOH), five to six new cases of HIV infection is being reported in the DOH AIDS Registry, though a 50% reduction in the number of new HIV infection between 2001 and 2009 is being revealed by a recent report.