The Department of Health (DOH) is seeking to declare HIV a national public health emergency following a sharp spike in infections among young Filipinos, warning that the country could see over 400,000 people living with the virus if current trends persist.
In a report by the Philippine News Agency, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the most significant rise in cases has been recorded among individuals aged 15 to 25, with the youngest patient just 12 years old.
“In fact, the youngest diagnosed case is a 12-year-old in the province of Palawan,” Herbosa said.
Although Herbosa did not cite exact figures for youth infections, he noted that the Philippines currently has the highest number of new HIV cases in the Western Pacific Region.
Data from the DOH’s HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report showed 148,831 confirmed HIV cases nationwide from 1984 to March this year. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, 5,101 new infections were reported—up from 3,409 in the same period last year.
An average of 57 HIV cases are now being recorded daily, compared to 37 per day in early 2023.
“If we’re unable to prevent the increase of HIV cases, we could reach over 400,000 people living with HIV,” Herbosa said.
He added that declaring a national public health emergency would enable a coordinated response across government agencies. “A whole-of-government approach can help us in this campaign to lower the new HIV cases,” he said.
Sexual contact remains the leading mode of transmission, according to the DOH, with most infections now occurring among males who have sex with males—a trend observed since 2007.
The health department is urging the public to practice combination prevention methods, including the use of condoms, lubricants, and pre-exposure prophylaxis. Free and confidential HIV testing is also available through government facilities.
For those who test positive, the DOH recommends immediate consultation and initiation of antiretroviral therapy. PhilHealth currently offers an enhanced Outpatient HIV Treatment Package with an annual benefit of PHP 58,500, which includes access to antiretroviral medication.
Herbosa continues to serve on the board of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), a position that helps the Philippines secure international support and resources for its HIV response.
