HIV Field Research in Manila
About the author: Isabela Bumanlag ’19 is a Stanford undergraduate in human biology, CDDRL honors student, and recipient of an FSI Research Grant, which she used in support of her research travel to Manila.
Independent field research has been an exciting and challenging experience. Being in a country I haven’t visited in six years has given me lots of adventures, especially when it comes to navigating Metro Manila. I’m incredibly grateful for my advisors and other academic mentors who continue to help me along the way. I’ve met many of them through my internship and field research interviews; their kindness and patience for my questions, as well as their passion for this difficult work, have been inspiring.
The HIV epidemic is steadily emerging in the Philippines, with an increasing incidence rate. Funds for HIV treatment have increased in the last three years, yet there is still a lack of human resources and research funds. There are a lot of infectious disease problems, such as dengue and TB, that are more prioritized in the national agenda due to their immediate threats on public health. Unfortunately, there are not enough infectious disease specialists around the country to fully operate HIV/AIDS treatment hubs. Antiretroviral treatment is free in the Philippines, which is valuable as the country experiences more and more cases, without any sign of slowing down.
Aside from issues that deal with stigma and risk behaviors, one thing that has stood out to me are the effects of low research funds. Research funding helps foster better surveillance systems, determine whether interventions should continue to be implemented, and most importantly, urge policy makers to enact much needed legislation to reduce barriers to HIV prevention and quality treatment. As of now, there is no nationwide active surveillance system, few studies have been reproducible and published, and amendments to certain HIV-related policies are still awaiting approval.
One expert I reached out to talked about her many roles as an infectious disease physician, researcher, and lecturer. It struck me again that she was willing and enthusiastic to have lengthy discussions with me despite her busy schedule. As a Filipina-American, I am thrilled to learn from my homeland’s experts as well as contributing, even if just a little, to a growing body of HIV research.
