The Department of Health (DOH) reported 5,000 new HIV cases in the Philippines from July to September, highlighting an ongoing HIV outbreak, according to Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
He expressed concern that 30% of the new cases are among minors, noting that HIV treatment is lifelong.
Earlier, the DOH called for a national public health emergency, citing a 500% rise in HIV cases among young Filipinos. As of June 2025, there were 148,831 recorded cases, and Herbosa warned that the total could reach 400,000 if the trend continues.
In observance of World AIDS Day, the DOH urged more young people to get tested and called for increased government attention to the issue.
