Philippines eyes HIV public health emergency amid 500% youth surge
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. Also Read Millions to begin sacred Hajj journey tomorrow from Mina
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.
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa has urged President Marcos to declare a national public health emergency over Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), warning that the Philippines now records the highest increase in new HIV cases in the world.
READ:… pic.twitter.com/Qp0GC86HIc — Manila Bulletin News (@manilabulletin) June 2, 2025
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. Also Read Gaza truce fails over unexpected Israeli Obstacles
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.
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