HIV cases in the Philippines have skyrocketed, with a 500% increase. According to the Department of Health (DOH), 40 to 57 new HIV cases are being recorded every day. Most of the new cases are among young people aged 15 to 25 years, while previously older people were mostly affected.
The news that the youngest person recorded is a 12-year-old from Palawan is worrisome. According to DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, the Philippines has the highest HIV rate in the Western Pacific Region, so it is important to focus on this problem.
Most of the new cases are recorded among men who have sex with men. Because of this, the DOH is calling for the declaration of HIV as a national public health emergency to expedite action and protect public health.
The DOH continues to monitor and solicit support to prevent the spread of HIV and provide correct information to everyone, especially the youth.
