Philippines Declares HIV a National Public Health Emergency Amidst Gen Z Surge

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) has declared HIV a national public health emergency in the Philippines, with daily new cases exceeding 50, and a significant portion affecting young people aged 15-24. "Ayon sa DOH, araw-araw, higit 50 Pilipino ang nadadagdag sa bilang ng may HIV—at halos kalahati sa kanila ay kabataang edad 15–24," the News5 report stated. Experts point to a combination of factors: early sexual activity, insufficient sex education, and the use of social media for casual encounters. The video also highlights available resources, including free testing and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), emphasizing that HIV is manageable with proper treatment and care. The LoveYourself PH organization is mentioned as a resource for confidential testing and counseling. This underscores the need for comprehensive sexual health education and accessible healthcare services to combat the rising HIV epidemic among young Filipinos.