The Department of Health (DOH) will distribute cheap condoms in schools and workplaces in response to the rising number of HIV cases in the Philippines. According to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, the DOH's goal is to make condoms more accessible, especially to young people, to prevent unprotected sex.
At the same time, the DOH is collaborating with the Department of Education to set up adolescent clinics in public schools. The clinics include educational modules that aim to educate students about HIV and how to prevent it. According to Herbosa, there are children as young as 12 years old who have been infected with HIV.
Due to the continued increase in cases, Herbosa recommended that President Marcos declare a national public health emergency. He said that only the President has the power to order various agencies to take faster action.
Officials are also warning about the resurgence of monkeypox or mpox. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian called on schools to strengthen hygiene and health protocols for the upcoming school year. This was also supported by Rep. Wilbert Lee who called for the revival of the national task force against mpox.
Officials reminded the public that PhilHealth now covers mpox, so there is medical assistance for diagnosed patients.
