DOH recommends declaring HIV National Public Health Emergency

The Department of Health (DOH) has recommended declaring HIV a National Public Health Emergency due to a 500% increase in cases among individuals aged 15 to 25, with the number rising from over 5,000 new cases in the first quarter to 6,703 cases recorded from January to April this year.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced that the DOH is intensifying efforts to curb HIV infections by distributing free anti-retroviral drugs and expanding access to testing and treatment.

The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Philippine government in addressing what is now being considered a national public health emergency, noting an alarming increase in adolescent pregnancies from 2,411 cases in 2019 to 3,343 cases in 2023 among girls aged 10-14.

Only about one-third of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women possess comprehensive knowledge on HIV prevention and transmission, indicating a critical need for improved education and awareness.

The population commission urged stakeholders to strengthen the policy environment by enacting proposed legislation aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancy and intensifying implementation of existing HIV policies.