Manila Times
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Saturday, Jun 07, 2025
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Surge in HIV Cases in the Philippines Attributed to Online Behavior
Department of Health reports alarming rise in HIV infections, particularly among youth, linked to online pornography and dating apps.
The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines has reported an alarming 500% increase in cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), primarily affecting the youth.
During a media briefing on June 5, 2025, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa identified factors contributing to the significant rise in infections, particularly among young people.
He highlighted that increased risky behaviors, facilitated by easy access to online pornography and dating applications, are major contributors to this trend.
Secretary Herbosa noted, "Risky behavior has risen, with easy access to pornography online and dating apps as primary concerns, along with a prevalence of unprotected sex." Furthermore, he emphasized that 95% of new cases are attributed to sexual activity among men who have sex with men.
In response to the crisis, the DOH has lowered the minimum age for HIV testing to 16, while treatment still requires parental consent for minors.
The agency acknowledges the urgent nature of the situation and has vowed to intensify its HIV awareness programs.
The current statistics indicate approximately 57 new HIV cases are reported daily, with the Philippines holding the highest rate of new HIV cases globally.
Secretary Herbosa has reached out to President Bongbong Marcos to advocate for the declaration of a national public health emergency concerning the growing HIV crisis.
The DOH also reported the youngest person diagnosed with HIV is a 12-year-old from Palawan, underscoring the urgency of addressing this public health issue comprehensively.
During a media briefing on June 5, 2025, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa identified factors contributing to the significant rise in infections, particularly among young people.
He highlighted that increased risky behaviors, facilitated by easy access to online pornography and dating applications, are major contributors to this trend.
Secretary Herbosa noted, "Risky behavior has risen, with easy access to pornography online and dating apps as primary concerns, along with a prevalence of unprotected sex." Furthermore, he emphasized that 95% of new cases are attributed to sexual activity among men who have sex with men.
In response to the crisis, the DOH has lowered the minimum age for HIV testing to 16, while treatment still requires parental consent for minors.
The agency acknowledges the urgent nature of the situation and has vowed to intensify its HIV awareness programs.
The current statistics indicate approximately 57 new HIV cases are reported daily, with the Philippines holding the highest rate of new HIV cases globally.
Secretary Herbosa has reached out to President Bongbong Marcos to advocate for the declaration of a national public health emergency concerning the growing HIV crisis.
The DOH also reported the youngest person diagnosed with HIV is a 12-year-old from Palawan, underscoring the urgency of addressing this public health issue comprehensively.
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