HIV cases in PH surge 500%, prompting DOH call for health emergency

HIV_AIDS. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — HIV cases in the country have surged by 500 percent, prompting the Department of Health (DOH) to call on the government to declare a national public health emergency.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DOH said the number of confirmed HIV cases per day reached 57 from January to March this year, marking a 500 percent increase—the highest in the Western Pacific Region.

“The DOH is proposing to declare HIV a National Public Health Emergency due to the 500 percent increase in HIV cases in the country,” it added.

READ: 55 new HIV cases in PH daily, youth most vulenrable – DOH

In line with this, the DOH urged the public to get HIV tests, which are free and confidential.

To prevent HIV transmission, the agency also recommended the use of condoms, lubricants, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and other preventive measures./mcm