DOH eyeing to declare HIV public health emergency

The Department of Health (DOH) is pushing to declare the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a national public health emergency following a staggering 500% increase in cases among Filipinos aged 15 to 25.

In a video message last week, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa raised alarm over the surge, noting that the Philippines now has the highest number of new HIV cases in the Western Pacific Region. Among the most shocking revelations: the youngest diagnosed patient is just 12 years old from Palawan.

“If we don’t act decisively, we could see over 400,000 people living with HIV,” Herbosa warned.

The latest HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) reported 148,831 cumulative HIV cases from 1984 to March 2025. In the first quarter of this year alone, 5,101 new cases were recorded — a significant jump from the 3,409 reported during the same period in 2024. Daily diagnoses have also spiked, averaging 57 per day compared to last year’s 37.

Herbosa emphasized that declaring a public health emergency would activate a whole-of-government response to stem the rise of new infections.

“We need all sectors to work together if we are to bring down the number of new HIV cases,” he said.

DOH data shows that sexual contact remains the primary mode of transmission, predominantly among men who have sex with men — a trend observed since 2007.

To curb the spread, the DOH promotes a combination prevention strategy: consistent condom and lubricant use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and regular testing. The government continues to offer free and confidential HIV testing, and those who test positive are urged to consult doctors for antiretroviral therapy (ART).

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) also provides an enhanced Outpatient HIV Treatment Package worth PHP58,500 annually, covering ART and other essential services.

To bolster the country’s fight against HIV, Herbosa continues to represent the Philippines on the board of UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, seeking international collaboration and support.