HIV cases in Philippines continue to rise despite global decline

MANILA, December 14 ------ While annual new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and AIDS-related deaths continue to decline globally and in Asia and the Pacific, the cases in the Philippines steadily rise.

During hearing of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that between 2010 and 2024, the percent change in new HIV infections in the country was at 555 percent, much higher compared to the percent change globally of -40 percent, and of Asia and the Pacific at -17 percent. Meanwhile, the percent change in AIDS-related deaths between 2010 and 2024 in the Philippines was 667 percent, while the percent change globally was -54 percent, and that of Asia and the Pacific was -53 percent.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The immune system of people living with AIDS becomes very weak, and various illnesses could emerge. “This means that we have an ongoing local concentrated epidemic that requires sustained and intensified interventions,” said Noel Palaypayon of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau. Given the current pace of infection, Palaypayon said the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) could reach 457,600 by 2030. The current number of PLHIV is 252,800.

He also said that about 90 percent of new HIV infections occur among men having sex with men. DOH added that 58 percent of estimated PLHIV are from Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon. From 21 newly diagnosed cases per day in 2015, the number has risen to 56 per day in October 2025. Annual deaths among PLHIV have exceeded 900 since 2022. “Half of all confirmed HIV cases were among individuals aged 25 to 34 years old, while 30 percent fall within 15 to 24 age group. In fact, nearly 80 percent of cases are among those under 35 years old clearly indicating that HIV continues to disproportionately affect younger populations,” Palaypayon said.

Although HIV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, DOH emphasized that focus should also be put on protecting babies born to women with HIV. “Anti-retroviral therapy coverage remains insufficient, placing infants at risk of infection,” Palaypayon said. Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros called for a strong policy action to address the increase in HIV infections. “In the recent World AIDS day, we are reminded that the Philippines faces one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the region. From July to September 2025 alone, DOH recorded 5,583 new cases, 30 percentof them under 18,” Hontiveros said. “Nito lamang weekend nabalitaan natin na may isang pitong taong gulang na bata mula sa South Cotabato ang nag-positibo sa HIV. Diumano hindi inborn o mula sa mother-child transmission. And these are young lives facing a lifelong challenge,” she added. “We have the tools to end AIDS by 2030, but what we need is strong policy action, full implementation of RA 11166 and strategic legislation for a resilient, inclusive, evidence-based response,” Hontiveros said.

Dr. Delia Becina, chief health program officer of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), said that while RA 11166 or the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act allow adolescents aged 15 to below 18 to have HIV testing on their own, it is silent on whether they may give consent to HIV training and other HIV related services. “This creates a serious gap. A young person can learn they are HIV positive yet may be unable to start life-saving treatment without parental involvement,” Becina said.

The PNAC recommended allowing these minors to access anti-retroviral treatment and other HIV services under the supervision of their attending physician. “Clarifying this in legislation or implementing guidelines would ensure continuity of care, prevent harmful delays in treatment, and align our HIV response with child rights principle and clinical best practice,” Becina said.

Martha De La Paz, technical adviser of UNAIDS Philippines, recommended amending RA 11166 or its implementing rules and regulations to give minors access to services without parental consent. DOH HIV Program Manager Dr. Jan Derek Junio said they are at the end phase of analyzing strategic plans in updating the national health sector plan for HIV for 2026 to 2030. The vision is zero new infections, zero deaths, and zero stigma by 2030.

According to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), it is working on expanding its package to cover HIV screening, diagnostics, treatment, and preventive care. Meanwhile, among the proposals of the non-profit organization Pinoy Plus Team is fast-tracking local investment in addressing HIV since the Philippines is highly dependent on external funding, and ensuring that the AIDS medium-term plan is funded and implemented. Other government agencies, such as the Department of Education and the Civil Service Commission, also explained how they are responding to HIV in their own jurisdiction.

Hontiveros welcomed all the input from various stakeholders and urged all government agencies to step up with their HIV services. A technical working group will be convened to identify and prioritize the HIV and AIDS legislative agenda and draft possible amendments to RA 11166.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com