Capiz reports alarming rise in HIV cases among youth

ILOILO CITY — Health officials in Capiz are sounding the alarm after the province recorded 934 HIV cases as of June 2025, with data showing a troubling rise in infections among younger people.

At the PIA Kapihan on 4 December, Provincial Health Office (PHO) Health Program Officer Carlo Paolo Bermejo said that while most cases still involve adults aged 25 to 34, infections among those aged 15 to 24 are climbing rapidly.

"The cases are getting younger," Bermejo said. "This age group is where the increase is most shocking—our HIV cases are trending toward the youth."

Bermejo underscored that HIV spares no one, noting that infections can occur regardless of age, gender, or social status. Some early cases stem from mother-to-child transmission, while broader prevention efforts hinge on the ABCDE formula: Abstinence, Being faithful, Correct condom use, Don’t abuse drugs, and Early detection and treatment.

Officials are urging teenagers and young adults to take the threat seriously, emphasizing that early testing saves lives, protects partners, and helps curb further transmission.

In response to the rising numbers, the PHO committed to expanding public awareness campaigns, increasing access to testing and treatment, and strengthening community-level interventions.

"The data is speaking loudly," Bermejo warned. "It’s time for all of us to act."