DOH: 1 in 2 HIV cases now from workforce aged 25–34

One out of two people being diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Philippines is from the working population aged 25 to 34, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

This is based on the 2025 Q1 HIV and AIDS Surveillance of the Philippines (HASP) Report covering data from January to March.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the DOH aims to reach different offices and workplaces to boost awareness of HIV prevention and treatment, noting that many office workers spend a significant portion of their time at work.

As part of this campaign, the department is offering free condoms, lubricants, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), as well as HIV testing and educational sessions on antiretroviral therapy for individuals who test positive.

The DOH also said 305 HIV care facilities nationwide are ready to provide HIV prevention services and medication for persons living with the virus.

“HIV remains to be one of the pressing health issues in the country,” Herbosa said.

“There’s a need to intensify the campaign and give out services for HIV both in the public and private sectors, including workplaces,” he added.

From January to March 2025, the DOH recorded 57 newly diagnosed HIV cases, making the Philippines the country with the highest number of new cases in the Western Pacific.

The country also logged a 500-percent increase in HIV cases among people aged 15 to 25.

Because of the alarming rise in infections, the DOH urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in June to declare HIV a national public health emergency.

If the trend continues, the number of HIV cases in the Philippines could exceed 400,000 by the end of 2025. In 2024, the country reported around 215,000 individuals living with HIV.