MANILA, Philippines — An average of fifty five new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) per day— the highest in the world, are recorded 9n the Philippines each day, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said on Wednesday.
In an ambush interview in the Palace, Herbosa said that there are currently 59,000 people living with HIV in the Philippines, which is low for the country’s population of 110 million.
Herbosa’s concern, however, stems from the new cases.
“Ang ating mataas yung new cases, 55 new cases a day, highest in the world tayo. That’s why we need to stop,” said Herbosa.
(We have 55 new cases a day, the highest in the world.)
“The ones that are being diagnosed are 15 years old, as young as 15, positive for HIV,” said Herbosa.
Younger individuals, Herboasa explained, have gotten more experimental, and they are more exposed to the internet.
Herbosa added that they are coordinating with the Department of Education as to how to address HIV infection among youth.
“We need to educate our youth,” said Herbosa.