Philippines urges declaration of national HIV emergency

Manila, June 5 (Prensa Latina) Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa urged President Ferdinand Marcos Junior to declare a national public health emergency to address the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

June 5, 2025
09:32

This request comes at a time when the Philippines is recording the highest number of new HIV cases worldwide.

In statements to the press, Herbosa reported that he has submitted a proposal to declare the HIV situation a national public health emergency.

He cited an alarming 500% increase in cases and an average of 56 new infections per day by early 2025.

The official stressed that while the Department of Health continues to implement programs, broader coordination among all government agencies is urgently needed.

Meanwhile, the department is intensifying HIV testing in schools, community clinics, and online platforms, and has integrated teen-friendly HIV education into public schools.

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