NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
HIV Is A Bigger Health Threat Than Mpox In The Philippines, Says DOH - Here's Why They Want It Declared A National Emergency
Photo credit: DOH
When we think of emerging health scares, mpox (formerly monkeypox) might come to mind. But according to the Department of Health (DOH), there’s an even more pressing issue in the Philippines right now — HIV.
And it’s not just a slight concern. The DOH is sounding the alarm, urging that HIV be declared a National Public Health Emergency, as the number of cases in the country continues to skyrocket.
The numbers say it all: From January to March this year, an average of 57 new HIV cases were recorded every single day. That’s a staggering 500% increase — a trend that health officials simply can’t ignore.
In fact, the Philippines now holds the unfortunate record for having the highest number of new HIV cases in the entire Western Pacific Region.
So what is the DOH recommending?
They’re doubling down on efforts to fight HIV with three major reminders:
• Get tested.
- It’s free and confidential.
- Knowing your status early can be life-saving.
• Use the combination prevention method.
This includes:
- Using condoms and lubricants
- Taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for those at high risk
• Start treatment ASAP if needed.
- For those who test positive, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is key. It helps suppress the virus, protects your immune system, and prevents transmission.
Why declare it a national emergency?
Because with numbers this high — and rising fast — HIV isn’t just a health concern anymore. It’s a national crisis. The DOH wants to ensure that awareness, funding, and access to testing and treatment are taken more seriously than ever before.
Let this be your sign. Get tested. Protect yourself. Spread the word.
HIV is preventable, treatable, and manageable — but only if we act now.
And it’s not just a slight concern. The DOH is sounding the alarm, urging that HIV be declared a National Public Health Emergency, as the number of cases in the country continues to skyrocket.
The numbers say it all: From January to March this year, an average of 57 new HIV cases were recorded every single day. That’s a staggering 500% increase — a trend that health officials simply can’t ignore.
In fact, the Philippines now holds the unfortunate record for having the highest number of new HIV cases in the entire Western Pacific Region.
So what is the DOH recommending?
They’re doubling down on efforts to fight HIV with three major reminders:
• Get tested.
- It’s free and confidential.
- Knowing your status early can be life-saving.
• Use the combination prevention method.
This includes:
- Using condoms and lubricants
- Taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for those at high risk
• Start treatment ASAP if needed.
- For those who test positive, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is key. It helps suppress the virus, protects your immune system, and prevents transmission.
Why declare it a national emergency?
Because with numbers this high — and rising fast — HIV isn’t just a health concern anymore. It’s a national crisis. The DOH wants to ensure that awareness, funding, and access to testing and treatment are taken more seriously than ever before.
Let this be your sign. Get tested. Protect yourself. Spread the word.
HIV is preventable, treatable, and manageable — but only if we act now.
Jun 3, 2025
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