Amid the silence, stigma, and vulnerability surrounding the country’s rising HIV crisis, Filipino youth face growing risks. With cases among ages 15 to 25 surging by 500%, health officials are calling for open dialogue, accessible testing, and urgent preventive action.
With HIV infections among Filipino youth skyrocketing, the Department of Health is pushing for a national health emergency to accelerate prevention efforts, expand testing, and confront growing risks head-on.
MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a national public health emergency after the Philippines recorded a staggering 500% increase in HIV cases among young Filipinos aged 15 to 25—a surge health officials warn is spiraling beyond control.
Between January and March 2025 alone, the country averaged 57 new HIV infections daily, up 44% from the same period last year. As of March, total documented HIV cases since 1984 have surpassed 148,800. One-third of new infections are among youth aged 15 to 24, with the youngest case being a 12-year-old from Palawan, according to the DOH.
“This is more dangerous than Mpox,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa during a press briefing on Monday. “We need to act urgently. We need to declare a national emergency.”
Herbosa confirmed that a formal recommendation was sent to the Office of the President, citing the need for a coordinated, multi-agency response.
DOH Programs and Response
The department has intensified its programs against HIV, expanding free and confidential testing services, distributing antiretroviral therapy (ART), and partnering with organizations such as LoveYourself to improve outreach. Public awareness campaigns are also being launched, targeting schools, barangays, and digital platforms where at-risk youth are most active.
The DOH also reassured the public of sufficient stockpiles of antiretroviral drugs and HIV test kits nationwide.
International Concern and Support
In a rare move, the United Nations called attention to the Philippine HIV crisis, expressing solidarity and support through its local agencies, including UNAIDS, UNFPA, and UNICEF.
“The scale of the problem demands a whole-of-society response,” said UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral. “We support the government’s goal of ending AIDS by 2030, but only bold, unified action will reverse this trend.”
What’s Fueling the Surge?
Health experts and community advocates point to a combination of factors:
- Inadequate Sex Education: Many public schools still lack comprehensive sexual health programs. This knowledge gap leaves young people vulnerable to misinformation and risky behavior.
- Access Barriers: Youth attempting to access condoms or HIV services are often discouraged by judgmental healthcare interactions or social stigma.
- Stigma and Discrimination: Cultural shame surrounding HIV/AIDS continues to prevent people from getting tested or seeking treatment early.
- Behavioral Risks: DOH data shows most transmissions occur through unprotected sexual contact, particularly among males who have sex with males.
“Young people are being blamed for being careless, but the truth is they are not given the tools or space to protect themselves,” said Kael Mata, a community organizer who works with at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.
The Need for Shared Accountability
While structural reforms are necessary, health officials and educators are also calling for greater personal responsibility among individuals.
“Awareness without action is apathy,” said Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo, who advocates for HIV education. “We must equip the youth with facts, not fear.”
The DOH emphasized four personal steps to curb the spread:
- Practice safe sex — Use condoms consistently.
- Get tested regularly — Early detection can save lives.
- Start and adhere to treatment — ART suppresses the virus to undetectable, untransmittable levels.
- Speak up against stigma — Support those living with HIV and advocate for safe spaces.
The Call to Act
If approved, the emergency declaration would unlock broader resources, require local governments to implement HIV-related programs, and send a strong national signal that the crisis demands immediate attention.
“The numbers don’t lie,” Secretary Herbosa said. “If we don’t act now, we will lose an entire generation to a preventable disease.”
As the country approaches the midpoint of its commitment to ending AIDS by 2030, the success of this effort may hinge not only on government policy—but on public will.
