U=U

   Pia and Catriona support Love Yourself campaign, World Aids Day

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray are staunch advocates of Love Yourself organization's U=U (Undetectable=Untransmittable) crusade.

The U=U campaign espouses treatment as protection by taking antiretroviral therapy (ART), making People Living with HIV (PLHIV) reach a level of undetectable viral load (the amount of HIV in the blood) status, and no longer pass on the virus to others.

"HIV takes lives. It affects us because there's always someone close to us who's under the clutches of the disease," Catriona pointed out. Love Yourself, as the national organization spreading the awareness campaign, is at the forefront of this continuing efforts with the help of volunteers and allies.

"As of Sept 2023, there are 110,000 reported HIV cases in the Philippines. Of that number, 60% have accessed treatment. Of those accessing treatment, 40% need to address their viral load through treatment. 

"There are thirteen Love Yourself testing centers all over the Philippines, with most of them located in major cities like Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, as well as Metro Manila. The Boracay site will open by 2024. There are also 35 other partner sites funded by Global Fund," shared Love Yourself spokesperson Danvic.Rosadiño.

"Stigma thrives in places of silence. Let's talk more about this campaign and reach out to others to help the crusade. Sometimes, people don't realize how hurting the words they've spoken out of ignorance and/or lack of knowledge. Let's help push for this campaign nationally and globally," enthused Pia. As we can remember, the HIV campaign was part of her winning answer when she competed, and won the crown, way back in 2015.

December 1st is celebrated worldwide as World AIDS Day.