Lived Experiences of Medical Technologists Handling People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Treatment Hubs in Cebu, Philippines

HIV/AIDS remains a grave public health issue in the Philippines, yet the lived experiences of medical technologists working with People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in HIV care facilities are often overlooked. This study explores the experiences of medical technologists within HIV treatment hubs in Cebu, Philippines. Seven registered medical technologists, selected using snowballing and purposive sampling, were interviewed using semi-structured interviews, and a qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological approach was used to explore their narratives, experiences, and challenges, with Colaizzi’s method guiding the thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged: (1) Confronting Stigma and Discrimination: The Struggle for Equitable HIV Care in the Eyes of Medical Technologists, (2) Navigating Barriers: The Emotional, Ethical, and Systemic Challenges Faced by Medical Technologists in HIV/AIDS Care, (3) At the Crossroads of Care: The Versatile Roles of Medical Technologists in HIV/AIDS Service Delivery, and (4) Evolving Through Adversities: Strengthening Practice Through Training, Support and Experience. The findings revealed that, despite the lack of resources and training, and the persistence of stigma, discrimination, and misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS, they continue to function beyond their routine roles, often serving as educators and advocates. The emotional strain, systemic, and ethical challenges they carry highlight the need for institutional and government support. This study emphasizes the urgent need for reforms to support medical technologists within the country’s HIV/AIDS healthcare system.