Health dept urges HIV emergency as cases surge in youth

THE Department of Health (DOH) announced Wednesday that HIV cases in the Philippines have now surpassed those of Mpox, signaling a concerning shift in the country’s public health challenges.

Efforts are underway to verify reports from the Northern Mindanao Health Department regarding a suspected 178 new HIV cases recorded in Northern Mindanao.

An hour after the DOH released its nationwide update, a Facebook page named “Maldita” reported that new HIV cases in Region 10 had reached 178.

The DOH earlier emphasized that the rising number of HIV infections underscores the urgent need for intensified response and prevention measures nationwide.

The department reported a 500% increase in HIV cases among Filipinos ages 15 to 25 during the first quarter of 2025.

In light of this trend, the DOH called on the national government to declare HIV a National Public Health Emergency to mobilize additional resources and establish a more coordinated response.

DOH data show an average of 57 new HIV cases reported daily from January to March, illustrating the rapid spread of the virus.

Among the youngest confirmed cases is a 12-year-old child from Palawan, underscoring the virus’s reach into vulnerable populations.

The DOH is urging collaborative efforts across sectors, including national and local government agencies, educational institutions, health workers, and community groups, to combat the rising number of infections.

> To address the crisis, the department recommends several strategic actions:
> Increase access to HIV testing nationwide
> Integrate HIV education into school curricula
> Promote condom use and provide preventive medications, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
> Launch public information campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage testing

The DOH also calls on parents and guardians to guide and educate young people about health and protection.

As of this writing, the national government has not responded to the DOH’s call for a public health emergency declaration.

Nonetheless, the department stresses that the growing number of HIV cases demands urgent, coordinated public health action and comprehensive education to stem the epidemic.

The DOH remains committed to working with all sectors to monitor, prevent, and manage HIV in the Philippines.