Let’s talk about it, because silence isn’t safety…
The Department of Health (DOH) has recently raised alarm bells after revealing that there is a 500% increase in HIV cases in the Philippines among individuals aged 15 to 25 over the past decade. What was once a whispered concern is now a full-blown crisis, especially among the younger Filipino population. The numbers may be shocking, but they’re also a wake-up call: it’s time we start talking, loudly, openly, and without judgment.
The Numbers from HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report:
- First Quarter of 2025: 5,101 new cases logged
- Daily: 57 cases on average
- Nationwide: 148,831 cases from 1984 to March 2025
- Youngest diagnosed: A 12 year old from Palawan
According to the DOH, most new HIV infections are now happening among the youth. Factors such as misinformation, lack of access to testing, unprotected sex, and stigma contribute heavily to the rise. And while the virus itself is manageable with early detection and treatment, the social silence and stigma surrounding it continue to be the real killers.
“Ang maganda, magkaroon tayo ng public health emergency, national emergency for HIV dahil magtutulong-tulong ang buong lipunan… The whole of society, the whole of government can help us in this campaign na mapababa ng new cases of HIV,”
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa
Pride Month: A Time to Celebrate and Educate
It’s Pride Month, and while it’s a time to honor love, identity, and equality, it’s also the perfect opportunity to spark important conversations about health, awareness, and protection—especially when it comes to HIV.
HIV doesn’t discriminate. It’s not a “gay disease,” nor is it a punishment. It’s a virus that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, or background. That said, members of the LGBTQIA+ community remain more vulnerable due to systemic barriers, stigma, and a lack of access to proper sex education. This makes Pride not just a celebration, but also a platform to spread facts, break taboos, and push for safer, more inclusive spaces.
The alarming 500% increase in HIV cases among Filipinos aged 15 to 25 is a wake-up call. It signals the urgent need for earlier, honest, and shame-free education on sex, consent, and health within families, schools, and communities. Access to protection like condoms and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is available. Testing is free. Help exists, you just need to know where to look.
And maybe, just maybe, the increase in reported cases also shows progress: that more people are coming forward, getting tested, and becoming aware. That’s a step in the right direction, and something worth being proud of this Pride Month.
To find the nearest HIV testing center, you can visit https://loveyourself.ph, a trusted community-based advocacy that offers free testing and support across the country.
This isn’t just a health issue, it’s a call for compassion, education, and change. Let’s protect our youth not just from the virus, but from the silence and shame that allow it to spread. Celebrate Pride, get tested, educate others, and always, love safely.
