With 56 new HIV cases daily, DOH seeks health emergency declaration

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The Department of Health says HIV patients aged 15 to 25 years old saw a 500% increase

MANILA, Philippines – Cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the Philippines are on the rise.

The Department of Health (DOH) sounded the alarm after a total of 6,703 HIV cases were recorded from January to April 2025. This is equivalent to an average of 56 new cases daily in the first four months of the year, 44% higher than in the same period in 2024.

Patients aged 15 to 25 years old saw a 500% increase, forming a bulk of the new cases.

A 12-year-old child from Palawan was also among those recently diagnosed with HIV, after getting infected through sexual intercourse.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the Philippines currently has the most number of new HIV cases in the Western Pacific region, prompting the DOH to urge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a national public health emergency for HIV.

“Magtutulong-tulong ang buong lipunan…. The whole of society and whole of government can help us in this campaign na mapababa ang new cases of HIV,” Herbosa said in a video statement on Tuesday, June 3.

(The entire society will work together. The whole of society and the whole of government can help us in this campaign to reduce the number of new HIV cases.)

In total, there were 150,433 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the country as of April 2025.

The predominant age group of PLHIV is getting younger — 50% are aged 25 to 34 years old. Back in 2002 to 2005, 44% of PLHIV were from the 35-49 age group.

According to the DOH, sexual transmission is still the top reason for the virus’ spread. Around 83% of diagnosed cases since 1984 have been among males having sex with males.

PATTERNS. This chart shows the Philippines’ HIV transmission trends over the years. Chart from Department of Health

Nonprofit organization HIV & AIDS Support House (HASH), however, noted that the increase may be attributed to more people getting tested.

“With more people getting tested, we’re also seeing more HIV-positive results,” HASH said.

The government and several clinics offer free HIV testing. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation also offers free outpatient HIV/AIDS treatment packages.

On Wednesday, June 4, the Patient Appointment System was launched at Manila’s San Lazaro Hospital, which is among the main HIV treatment centers in Metro Manila.

The online platform allows PLHIV to schedule checkups and counseling. It will also be open for free HIV screening.

Meanwhile, there are self-test kits available for sale for those not comfortable with getting tested in public. – Rappler.com