UNAIDS, WHO back Phl call on HIV surge

UNAIDS and the World Health Organization are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign an Executive Order declaring HIV a public health emergency, as the Philippines faces the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific.

The number of new HIV cases has risen by 550%—from 4,400 in 2010 to 29,600 in 2024. An estimated 252,800 Filipinos will be living with HIV by 2025, with one-third of new cases affecting people aged 15 to 24.

“The numbers paint a stark picture that demands our immediate attention,” said Dr. Louie Ocampo, UNAIDS Country Director. “We cannot afford to treat HIV as a health sector issue alone.”

The country falls short of the UNAIDS 95–95–95 targets: only 55% of people with HIV have been diagnosed, 66% of them are on treatment, and just 40% have achieved viral suppression.

Prevention efforts are hampered by low funding—just 6% of the ₱3.6 billion HIV budget in 2023—and delays due to reduced international aid. UNAIDS and WHO warn of rising health costs and strain on the healthcare system if prevention gaps remain unaddressed.

“The Executive Order lays the groundwork for stronger multi-sectoral engagement and increased resource mobilization,” said Dr. Eunyoung Ko, WHO Philippines Officer-in-Charge.

UNAIDS and WHO are calling for stronger government leadership, community engagement, and sustained political will following the country’s May elections and recent global health leadership roles.

“This is not just about numbers—behind the statistics are thousands of Filipino lives that matter,” Ocampo said.