Bohol province recorded 17 new HIV cases in just three months, health officials said, as the Philippines deals with the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Western Pacific with an average of 56 daily infections nationwide.
“The situation is alarming,” said Maria Crisante Estomago, the Provincial Health Office’s HIV coordinator, noting most cases involved males aged 15-25 engaged in male-to-male sexual contact.
In the nation scene, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 6,703 new HIV cases from January to April 2025 — a 44 percent surge from the same period last year — bringing total recorded infections to 150,433.
“The Philippines now has the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Western Pacific Region,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said Tuesday, citing recent studies.
Daily infections have more than doubled in a decade, jumping from 21 cases per day in 2014 to the current 56, according to health ministry data.
The surge is concentrated among young people aged 15-25, with the youngest case this year involving a 12-year-old from Palawan province.
Health officials noted a dramatic demographic shift over two decades — from those aged 35-49 being most affected in 2006 to the 25-34 age group today.
Male-to-male sexual contact accounts for 83 percent of new infections, followed by bisexual contact, reversing pre-2007 patterns when heterosexual transmission dominated.
The DOH has called for a national public health emergency declaration to address the escalating crisis.
Those testing positive in Bohol are referred for antiretroviral therapy at Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center and a treatment hub in Panglao municipality.
High-risk individuals who test negative are offered pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent infection, Estomago said.
In Tagbilaran, health officials have intensified awareness campaigns in senior high schools since 2022, working with education and social welfare departments.
“Many still fear HIV but lack knowledge about prevention,” said Robin Culpa of the City Primary Care Facility, which offers free testing.
Separately, Bohol residents remain anxious about monkeypox following a confirmed case in nearby Cebu province and 10 suspected local cases.
Many have resumed wearing face masks and avoiding close contact in public spaces, though health officials stress mpox spreads primarily through close physical contact.
Provincial health authorities corrected an earlier report that mistakenly identified Clarin municipality as having a suspected case, clarifying the location was Loon municipality.
All suspected mpox cases remain in isolation pending confirmation from DOH.