A doctor extracts blood from a patient for HIV testing at a community center in Iloilo, Oct. 6, 2023. The spread of HIV has drastically slowed down in many parts of the world since the epidemic’s peak in 1995. But in the Philippines, infections have been rising steeply for over a decade – this year, around 50 people are diagnosed with HIV daily, compared to only four a day in 2010. Jam Sta. Rosa, AFP/file 

MANILA — As the number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections continues to rise at alarming rates in the Philippines, the Department of Health has recommended that it should be declared as a national public health emergency.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa reported a staggering 500 percent increase in HIV infections among those aged between 15 to 25 years. Alarmingly, the youngest recorded infection is a 12-year old girl from Palawan who contracted the virus through sexual intercourse.

HIV cases in PH rise by 500% among ages 15-25: DOH

“Sa datos natin, tayo na ang pinakamataas na new cases dito sa Western Pacific Region. Ang nakakatakot lang napakarami po ang ating new cases sa ating mga kabataan,” he said.

(Our data shows that we have the highest number in terms of new infections in the Western Pacific Region. What is really concerning, a lot of those getting infected are the youth.)

He warned that without urgent intervention, the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the country could exceed 400,000.

A rapidly escalating crisis

Data from the Philippine National Aids Council show that the country has almost 149,000 confirmed HIV cases nationwide. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, over 5,000 new infections were reported — translating to an average of 56 new infections per day. This is a significant rise from 3,400 new infections for the same period in 2024. 

Over the past decade (from 2014 to 2024), the number of new infections more than doubled from 21 to 48 per day.

HIV is a virus primarily transmitted through sexual contact and sharing of needles. It can also be passed on from a mother to child.

 DOH logs 47 new HIV cases per day in Q4 of 2024

DOH Spokesperson Albert Domingo cited increased use of social media and dating apps as contributing to the rising infection rates.

“In general, yung online accessibility and anonymity. Napakadaling maghanap ngayon ng partner, sexual partner. 'Yan yung mga tinitingnan natin,” Domingo said.

(In general, it’s the online accessibility and anonymity. It’s so easy to find a partner nowadays, including sexual partners. That’s what we’re seeing.)

Declaring a national public health emergency

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asked the DOH to evaluate the alarming trend and recommend necessary government actions.

Declaring HIV as a national public health emergency will enable stronger, coordinated efforts among different government agencies especially since HIV is a multi-faceted issue.

“Kasi nga sabi sa social media and communication. Hindi naman kami may hawak ng social media. it’s a communication issue. Yung mga sexual predators, justice issue yan. Ang DSWD sa mga pangangalaga.”

(We know that social media and communication is a factor. But we don’t have control over that, it’s a communication issue. Sexual predators is a justice issue. The DSWD is in charge of ensuring welfare.)

While the steady increase in cases has been observed for years, health officials say this recommendation wasn’t made lightly, especially with public perception often linking emergencies with lockdowns or pandemics.

HIV cases in PH may hit 500,000 in 6 years: DOH

“Pag sinabing Public Health Emergency, hindi ibig sabihin lockdown. Ang ibig sabihin nun, yung mga resources ng gobyerno ay mas magagamit. Mas maraming ahensiya ang marerecruit at masasama.” 

(When we say a public health emergency, it doesn’t mean a lockdown. It means that the government’s resources will be utilized, more agencies and recruits will work together.)

HIV is no longer considered a death sentence, thanks to advances in treatment. Early testing remains the critical first step.

Testing is now widely accessible across the country—including social hygiene clinics, civil society organizations, and even pharmacies, where self-testing kits are available.

“Yung iba takot magpatest. Pwedeng bumili sa mga botika ng self test kits for HIV at later on pwedeng gawan ng confirmatory test. Sa mga treatment hubs, libre po, bayad ng Philhealth ang ating ARV Treatment.,” Herbosa explained. 

(Others are afraid to get tested. You can buy HIV self-test kits in drugstores. Later on you can have a confirmatory test. These are free in treatment hubs and Philhealth also covers ARV treatments.)

The DOH and PhilHealth are exploring the inclusion of HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in primary care packages, making it easier for Filipinos to access preventive care.

In addition, the DOH is collaborating with international organizations and governments to strengthen its HIV response. In May, DOH officials participated in the World Health Assembly, engaging in discussions on global support for the Philippines' public health challenges.