Bridging the gap in health: Addressing inequity of HIV and mental health epidemics among men who have sex with men in the Philippines

The Philippines has witnessed a significant increase in HIV cases, marking the highest rate in the Western Pacific Region. Men who have sex with men in the Philippines are particularly hard hit, representing a large portion of the rising HIV population. In addition to the challenges related to HIV, these men, regardless of their HIV status, often struggle with mental health issues. The intersection of these health problems creates a compounded effect, influenced by various structural, political, and cultural factors that contribute to their marginalization. This policy brief highlights how using critical frameworks—intersectionality and syndemics—can empower stakeholders, including policymakers and healthcare providers, to create holistic, meaningful, and culturally appropriate interventions and policies. It also discusses the importance of democratizing expertise through leadership from those with lived experiences, which can aid in developing culturally informed policies and interventions. Recommendations are included.