Photo courtesy of Balita

 

The Department of Health-Epidemiology Bureau reported a surge in HIV cases in the Philippines, with 5,583 new cases from July to September 2025, marking a 12.13% increase from the previous quarter. Sexual contact remains the leading mode of transmission, accounting for 83.04% of cases. The latest report underscores a worrying trend as new infections continue to rise.

 

Between July and September, 3,661 cases were transmitted male-to-male, 659 were both male and female, and 316 were male-to-female. Other transmission modes included needle-sharing (0.02%), needlestick injury (0.09%), and mother-to-child (0.14%), with 16.71% of cases unidentified. Alarmingly, a significant portion of new cases was among the youth, with 1,702 individuals aged 15-24 and 2,363 aged 25-34.

 

Since the first case in 1984, the country has recorded a total of 159,278 HIV cases. In parallel, the health sector has identified an ongoing outbreak, with Health Secretary Teodoro "Ted" Herbosa highlighting that 30% of new cases are individuals under 18. Herbosa expressed urgent concern, noting, “We have the largest outbreak of new cases of HIV... This is really a big problem if we are not able to stop this epidemic.”

 

In response, the Department of Health is urging early testing and treatment through anti-retroviral therapy. The department has further called on the national government to declare a public health emergency to address this escalating crisis. The call for action includes increasing public awareness and preventive strategies to curb the spread of the virus, reported Balita.

 

Key Takeaways

• New HIV cases in the Philippines have increased by over 12% in the past quarter.
• Sexual transmission is the primary mode, with a substantial number among the youth.
• Calls for national emergency declaration to address the rising epidemic intensify.

 

Related Stories:

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HIV Spread Allegations Rock Saraburi LGBTQIA+ Community

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Balita 2025-12-04

 

 

 

 

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 with 5,583 new cases from July to September 2025, 

 

Between July and September, 3,661 cases were transmitted male-to-male, 

 

 

So still mainly a gay back play disease according to these statistics   ?

 

Thailand too expensive has now packed their bags, invaded the Philippines, and personally caused the new pandemic

7 minutes ago, Celsius said:

Thailand too expensive has now packed their bags, invaded the Philippines, and personally caused the new pandemic

Joke aside, what about blood transfusions?

8 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Between July and September, 3,661 cases were transmitted male-to-male, 659 were both male and female, and 316 were male-to-female.

Based on that, female to male (659) was over twice as much as male to female (316), surprising 

39 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Based on that, female to male (659) was over twice as much as male to female (316), surprising 

I think the 659 includes female to female 

8 hours ago, still kicking said:

Joke aside, what about blood transfusions?

 

Good question!

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

Based on that, female to male (659) was over twice as much as male to female (316), surprising 

I took that to mean bisexuals.

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

Based on that, female to male (659) was over twice as much as male to female (316), surprising 

Female to male is almost impossible. The males were likely lying about getting it up the a** on the side. Even in the gay male population, the pit hers never caught it  only the catchers.

52 minutes ago, gargamon said:

Female to male is almost impossible. The males were likely lying about getting it up the a** on the side. Even in the gay male population, the pit hers never caught it  only the catchers.

It can happen by friction and small rips or tears in the skin. While less common than male to male the statement almost impossible is not really correct.