PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to simplify processes and ensure immediate access to services related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) amid a surge of infections in the country, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa Jr.
Based on current trends, HIV cases are projected to reach half a million by 2030 if no effective and immediate measures are taken, according to the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC).
DOH data shows 148,831 HIV cases have been reported nationwide from January 1984 to March 2025.
“The Department of Health has a projection that if the ‘business as usual’ attitude continues, the HIV cases may reach half a million by 2030,” PNAC executive director Dr Joselito Feliciano said in a televised public briefing.
Feliciano said what is alarming to the DOH and PNAC is the surge in the average number of new cases, which is currently at 57 a day as of the first quarter of 2025.
From January to March last year, only 37 new HIV cases were being reported daily.
“We have one of the highest number of new cases worldwide,” Feliciano said.
Herbosa on Tuesday pushed for the declaration of the public health emergency to ensure massive response to control the spread of HIV. DOH data showed 5,101 new HIV cases recorded nationwide between January and March 2025.
During the same period last year, only 3,409 new HIV cases were recorded.
Yesterday, Herbosa said the President and his Cabinet committed to discuss the recommendation for a national emergency. In a briefing in Malacañang yesterday, he said discussions have been delayed because of scheduling conflicts.
He added the recommendation for a public health emergency came from PNAC, the highest governing body for the country’s AIDS program.
On steps being taken by the DOH, Herbosa said the department has increased free anti-retroviral (ARV) maintenance drugs being provided to people living with HIV. The DOH also continues to provide free HIV screening tests, he said.
He said patients usually get a free three-month ARV supply during each consultation visit.
On tests, he said the DOH also implemented a patient appointment system for people living with HIV, at the San Lazaro Hospital, Fabella Hospital, and other government-run hospitals to ensure that those infected are able to get immediate and regular medical consultations as well as medicines and counselling.
“HIV is no longer a death sentence. You just need to consult the doctors to get tested and receive maintenance medicine. Maintenance is needed here,” he said in Filipino.
Herbosa said while there is an HIV self-testing kit — recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration and available in local pharmacies — confirmatory testing remains necessary.
Despite these programs, Herbosa said, there is still a need to declare a state of public health emergency to strengthen the national strategy for HIV and access more resources.
He said the declaration of a public health emergency was proposed by the Philippine National AIDS Council.
STIGMA
Herbosa said the stigma attached to persons with HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a factor in the increase in HIV cases.
He said the rise may also be attributed to increased risky behavior among youth including unprotected sex, online dating apps, and pornography exposure.
He said there are also some establishments that pretend to be spas but are actual brothels that offer sex to clients.
He said outdated laws could also be a factor, He said under current laws, it is usually the female sex workers that are asked to undergo medical examinations including for sexually transmitted infections but “95 percent of our HIV are men having sex with men, they do not get tested.”
Feliciano said while a national emergency has yet to be declared, the public should help solve the problem of HIV, particularly in eliminating the stigma.
He said fighting stigma does not need any complex solution.
“It is part of our basic culture to give respect to others. Instead of subjecting others to ridicule, let us help and support them,” said Feliciano.
He said it will also help to have adequate information and education regarding HIV.
“If one knows the right information about HIV, the stigma will lessen,” he said.
