The Philippines is witnessing a sharp rise in new HIV infections, with an average of 58 new cases reported daily during the second quarter of 2024, according to the latest data from the Department of Health (DOH). The report, released on Friday, noted 5,321 new cases between April and June, pushing the total number of recorded cases to 135,076.
The growing epidemic in the country, already one of the fastest-rising in the world, is expected to see 215,400 people living with HIV by the end of the year, based on projections. Since 2021, the number of monthly new cases has steadily increased, jumping by 15% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa previously warned that young people, some as young as 15, were increasingly being diagnosed with HIV. The latest report confirmed this ongoing trend, with significant increases observed in the under-15 age group. Most new cases, however, are now concentrated among individuals aged 25 to 34, shifting away from the 35-49 age group.
The majority of new infections in the second quarter were among men who have sex with men, accounting for 3,705 cases. HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex, mother-to-child transmission, and needle sharing.
Experts, including Vinn Pagtakhan from the sexual health clinic LoveYourself, emphasized the need for stronger HIV prevention efforts. LoveYourself offers free HIV testing and self-testing kits to help curb the spread of the virus.
While HIV remains a serious concern, antiretroviral drugs can help those affected live normal lives and prevent transmission when the virus is suppressed to undetectable levels.
