The Department of Health (DOH) has urged the government to declare a national public health emergency in response to a staggering 500% surge in HIV cases, particularly among Filipinos aged 15 to 25.
In a video statement on Tuesday, June 3, the DOH confirmed that in the first three months of 2025, an average of 57 new HIV cases were recorded daily, totaling 5,101 confirmed new cases in just three months—a 50% higher compared to 3,409 cases recorded during the same period in 2024.
This marks a 55% increase from the 37 daily cases recorded during the same period last year, based on the latest HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) Q1 2025 report.
According to the report, the youngest recorded case this year with HIV is a 12-year-old from Palawan, infected through sexual contact.
“Napakarami po ng ating new cases sa ating mga kabataan,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa expressed concerns.
Moreover, he pointed out that the Philippines currently holds the highest number of new HIV infections in the Western Pacific Region, with a total of 14,831 active cases as of March 2025.
The DOH warned that if no immediate action is taken, the number of people living with HIV in the country could surpass 400,000.
Herbosa stressed the need for widespread access to testing, prevention, and treatment, citing the high cost of antiretroviral (ARV) medications.
“Mahal po ang pagbayad ng mga gamot ng Antiretrovirals kaya kailangan na kailangan po, maincrease natin ang testing, maincrease natin ang prevention, maincrease natin ang treatment at bumaba ang viral load," he added.
The health secretary urged the public to use HIV self-testing kits, which are now available in pharmacies across the country.
He emphasized that the kits allow individuals to test themselves privately, helping overcome the stigma that prevents many Filipinos from getting tested.
“Pwedeng bumili sa ating mga botika ng self-test kits for HIV at later on pwede namang gawan ng confirmatory test at pag may testing sa ating mga HIV treatment hubs, libre po ng PhilHealth ang ating Antiretroviral treatment,” Herbosa noted.
In the same video, Philippine National AIDS Council Executive Director Joselito R. Feliciano urged the public to get tested and practice prevention methods.
“If positive magpunta sa malapit na treatment hub para sa libreng konsulta, gamot at iba pang HIV services. Asahan na ang mga impormasyon ay mananatiling confidential,” Feliciano said.
He emphasized that those who test negative should take steps to remain negative, while those who test positive should visit the nearest treatment hub for free consultation, medication, and other HIV-related services. He assured that all information will remain confidential.
The DOH encouraged the public to stay informed and practice preventive measures against HIV by using condoms, lubricants, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and by getting tested.
