HIV cases in PH may reach 215,400 before 2024 ends – DOH

Citing the AIDS Epidemic Model’s estimates, the Department of Health revealed that the number of HIV cases in the Philippines could reach 448,000 by 2030 “if prevention and interventions won’t scale up.”

MANILA, Philippines — Cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the country may reach 215,400 before 2024 ends, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH reported on Sunday that it has recorded 131,335 cases nationwide as of September.

Citing the AIDS Epidemic Model’s (AEM) estimates, the health agency revealed that the number of HIV cases in the Philippines could reach 448,000 by 2030 “if prevention and interventions won’t scale up.”

In a bid to prevent the cases from increasing, the DOH disclosed that it has collaborated with the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) to officially launch the “Undetectable = Untransmittable Campaign” in observance of the 2024 Philippine World AIDS Day on December 1.

“The campaign counters stigma and opens conversations about HIV/AIDS prevention. The public is reminded that regular testing in primary care facilities, local clinics, health centers, and mobile testing units can be accessed in confidence,” the agency’s statement reads.

Among the campaign’s initiatives is urging those who tested positive for HIV to seek treatment, practice safe sex by using condoms, and use oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis to reduce the risk of contracting HIV.

“We need to work together to intensify and scale up our HIV response to stop this epidemic. Guided by the Eight-Point Action Agenda for HIV and AIDS, we must commit to a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach in achieving our goals of ending the epidemic,” said Dr. Joselito Feliciano, executive director of PNAC.

For Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, early detection and practicing safe sex are important.

“It is only through collective action that we will be able to end the HIV epidemic in the country. We must all work together to ensure that those who need it most–especially our PLHIVs and other key populations–are able to access our HIV services without difficulty or stigma, dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga,” he added.