The EpiC project, funded by PEPFAR and USAID and led by FHI 360, recently held the Young Influencers Convention at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City.
The event, part of the Free to Be YOUTH HUB, aimed to engage youth leaders and influencers in promoting HIV and sexual health via social media.
EpiC Philippines Project Director Teresita Bagasao stressed the importance of sex-positive messaging for effective HIV education.
Guest speakers included Clea Torres de La Torre, Adrian Lindayag, and social media personalities Mathilda Airlines, Ice Neo, Jamie Casino, and Lorenz Olleres. The Department of Health also discussed the U=U campaign.
The Free to Be YOUTH HUB, launched in 2023, develops youth leaders in HIV advocacy, focusing on innovations like self-testing and PrEP. Currently, 40 young leaders are driving 12 projects aimed at reducing HIV stigma and improving service access.
With the Philippines facing a growing HIV epidemic, initiatives like these are vital for expanding awareness and access to prevention and treatment.
For more details, visit the Free To Be U! Facebook page or book HIV services at QuickRes.org/press.
