Philippines 

This section contains an expanded situation analysis, and details about the Philippines Country Flexible Program. 

The Philippines is an archipelago located in South-eastern Asia.

While cannabis has a lengthy history in the Philippines, methamphetamine has become the leading drug of choice. Unlike neighbouring countries in the region, heroin has never been a significant drug of use. 

The main drug of use is crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride; know in the Philippines as shabu. Official estimates suggest about seven million people - almost ten per cent of the population - uses the drug. Shabu accounts for approximately 95 per cent of the presenting drug problems.

Domestically grown cannabis is the second most frequently used drug, followed by cough and cold preparations. Ecstasy is also becoming very popular.  

While the methods of administering shabu do not pose an immediate risk of HIV transmission, the behaviours associated with their use increase HIV vulnerability through high-risk sexual behaviour e.g. non-use of condoms.  Further measures to reduce the harms associated with Shabu are urgently required.

The Philippines continues to have one of the lowest rates of HIV infection in Asia. Unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, injecting drug use (IDU) has not made substantial contribution to the reported HIV infections and AIDS cases in the Philippines. 

Since 1993, the Philippines have been categorised as low level HIV epidemic with the national HIV prevalence of 0.1 per cent. However, with the increasing number of people engaged in sex work, increasing incidence of STI and detection of HIV positive cases among injecting drug users, the epidemic has been re-categorised as "hidden and growing".

Furthermore, high rates of poverty and unstable social support structures have increased the vulnerability of Filipinos to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV and AIDS.


Map of Phillipines. Google Maps