ALBAWABA- The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) is pushing to declare HIV a national public health emergency following a staggering 500% increase in cases among Filipino youth aged 15 to 25.
According to the Philippine News Agency, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, in a video message on Tuesday, warned of an accelerating crisis, citing the diagnosis of a 12-year-old child in Palawan, the youngest recorded case to date.
Herbosa noted that while he did not detail youth-specific figures, the country now has the highest number of new HIV infections in the Western Pacific Region. As of March 2025, a total of 148,831 HIV cases have been documented nationwide since 1984.
Alarmingly, 5,101 new cases were recorded in the first quarter alone, up from 3,409 in the same period last year. This brings the daily average to 57 new infections, compared to 37 previously. “If we don’t act now, the number of people living with HIV in the Philippines could surpass 400,000,” Herbosa cautioned.
He said that declaring a public health emergency would mobilize a whole-of-government response, crucial to stemming the tide of new infections. Since 2007, HIV transmission in the country has been predominantly among males having sex with males, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.
The DOH is advocating for a combination prevention strategy that includes consistent condom use, lubricants, and pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Free, confidential HIV testing is available through government services, and those who test positive are urged to begin antiretroviral therapy immediately.
To support treatment, PhilHealth offers an enhanced Outpatient HIV Treatment Package, providing up to PHP58,500 annually per patient, covering medication and related care.
Herbosa, a member of the UNAIDS Board, emphasized the importance of international collaboration to address the growing epidemic and ensure sustainable access to resources.
