The Department of Health (DOH) has intensified its programs in recent months to curb the rise of human immunodeficiency virus infections in the country, in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to accelerate the delivery of medical services to individuals living with HIV.
The DOH reported an average of 57 new HIV cases detected daily in the first quarter of 2025. HIV is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.
If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said DOH’s work is continuing, noting the recommendation for the declaration of public health emergency came from the Philippine National AIDS Council, the highest governing body on government program to address AIDS.
“Mga anim na buwan na po kaming nag-aayos ng mga programa na pagpapaigting at saka malaking tulong ang binibigay ngayong atensyon ng ating media dito sa malaking taas ng mga kaso ng HIV sa Pilipinas.”
The health chief noted that the battle against HIV needs a multi-pronged approach such as through legislation, increased government funding, and aggressive information campaign with the help of the media. |PND
The Department of Health (DOH) has intensified its programs in recent months to curb the rise of human immunodeficiency virus infections in the country, in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to accelerate the delivery of medical services to individuals living with HIV.
The DOH reported an average of 57 new HIV cases detected daily in the first quarter of 2025. HIV is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.
If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
In a Palace press briefing on Thursday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said DOH’s work is continuing, noting the recommendation for the declaration of public health emergency came from the Philippine National AIDS Council, the highest governing body on government program to address AIDS.
“Mga anim na buwan na po kaming nag-aayos ng mga programa na pagpapaigting at saka malaking tulong ang binibigay ngayong atensyon ng ating media dito sa malaking taas ng mga kaso ng HIV sa Pilipinas.”
The health chief noted that the battle against HIV needs a multi-pronged approach such as through legislation, increased government funding, and aggressive information campaign with the help of the media. | PND
