By: Angelica Arquero
The rise in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in the country has prompted health professionals and the Department of Health (DOH) to raise the alarm, with a recommendation to declare a national public health emergency.
In La Trinidad, Benguet, local health workers are actively taking part in various outreach programs to fight the growing threat of HIV.
Kevin Otis, Nurse II and coordinator of the HIV and STI/AIDS program of the La Trinidad Rural Health Unit, emphasized their strategy of integrating HIV screening in community activities.
“We ride along with other programs of the municipality, especially those that involve women or parents,” Otis shared. “We make sure HIV screening is included in those activities because it’s really for everyone.”
From January to March 2025, one new HIV case was recorded in La Trinidad, highlighting the need for proactive case finding.
“Screening is part of our active involvement in identifying cases in our area,” Otis added.
Otis also explained that HIV infections result from multiple factors, with unprotected sexual activity being one of the main causes.
“There’s a risk of transmitting or developing STIs when engaging in unprotected sex,” he said.
Data from the La Trinidad Municipal Health Office shows a fluctuating trend in HIV cases over the past three years: 10 in 2022, 7 in 2023, and 16 in 2024.
With the increasing numbers, both the local health office and the Department of Health – Cordillera have heightened their monitoring and response.
Nationwide, the situation is more alarming.
The country has seen a nearly 500% increase in HIV cases, many of which involve individuals aged 15 to 25.
“Our biggest concern right now is not monkeypox, but the growing spread of HIV,” said DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa. “Based on the data, we now have the highest number of new HIV cases in the Western Pacific Region, and what’s concerning is that most of these new cases involve our youth.”
The DOH warned that the number of HIV cases could reach up to 400,000 this year if the trend continues unchecked.
From January to March 2025 alone, an average of 57 new cases were recorded daily.
“We really need to increase testing, prevention, and treatment so that we can reduce the virus,” Herbosa said. “HIV can now be treated. There is no need to die from AIDS anymore.”
Herbosa also proposed declaring a national emergency for HIV to encourage a united effort from both the government and the public.
“With a national emergency, the entire society and government can work together to lower the number of new HIV cases,” he said.
The DOH continues to collaborate with various agencies to address the growing HIV crisis across the country.
