HIV cases in PH projected to reach 364K in 2030 — DOH exec

With an average of 47 cases daily, cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the country are projected to reach 364,000 by 2030, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday.

At the Kapihan Forum, Noel Palaypayon, the Unit Head and Supervising Health Program Officer of the National HIV & STI Surveillance and Strategic Information Unit of the DOH - Epidemiology Bureau, said the average daily cases is at 47.

This led to 112,028 reported cases from 1984 to February 2023.

“The estimated people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Philippines by 2030 are projected to reach 364,000, and nearly half of the new infections will be among the youth aged 15-24 years old,” he said.

He said there were 54 cases reported in February 2023, which is 12% lower compared to the same reporting period last year. Ninety-six percent were males, and 20% were classified as AIDS cases.

Palaypayon said that one of the leading causes of the increase in HIV cases and exposure is the “engagement in sex at an early age but practice protective behavior late.”

With this, the Health Department continues to take action to spread awareness and promote HIV prevention.

According to Dr. Roland Sardan of the National AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program Expert of the DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, the DOH provides free HIV testing across all 184 treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities.

The DOH has also intensified its online testing approaches, providing pre-exposure medications, treatment, and infographics. It also aims to integrate HIV testing into the Universal Health Care (UHC). 

The Health Department has also been consistent in its campaigns to raise awareness of the alarming cases of HIV in the youth.

Among the campaigns are the ‘Awra Safely’, ‘I Choose #MalayaAkongMaging’, and the ‘Key Assistance for Developing Adolescents (KADA) Network’ playbook. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News