The Department of Health (DOH) warns that the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Philippines may reach 252,800 by the end of 2025, reflecting a steady rise in infections nationwide. According to data from the DOH Epidemiology Bureau—shared by the Quezon City health monitoring unit—149,375 HIV cases have been laboratory-confirmed as of September.
Among these individuals, 67 percent are currently receiving lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Meanwhile, 57 percent underwent viral load testing within the past year, helping track whether their treatment is effectively suppressing the virus. Despite these gains, the country remains short of the UNAIDS 95–95–95 global targets for 2030. The Philippines has adopted these goals in its national HIV response plan, aiming for early testing, expanded treatment, and viral suppression for the majority of PLHIV.
New Cases Surge, Driven by Young Male Filipinos
Fresh infections remain a major concern. From July to September alone, the Philippines recorded 5,583 new HIV cases, an increase of 22 percent from the same period last year. On average, the country now reports 61 cases daily, compared to 50 per day in 2024.
The DOH notes that 95 percent of new cases involve males. Young Filipinos remain the most vulnerable: 42 percent of new infections occur among those aged 25–34, while 30 percent are adolescents and young adults aged 15–24. Sexual contact continues to be the dominant mode of transmission, accounting for 96 percent of all reported HIV cases from 1984 to 2025.
Deaths Slightly Decline as Early Detection Improves
While infections rise, the DOH recorded a slight decline in HIV-related deaths. Between July and September, there were 125 reported deaths among PLHIV, a 2 percent decrease from last year’s figures for the same period. Since 1984, the Philippines has documented 9,903 total deaths, with nearly half involving individuals diagnosed at an advanced stage of infection.
Encouragingly, the proportion of newly diagnosed advanced cases continues to fall—currently 18 percent lower than in 2020—reflecting gradual improvements in early testing and access to care. Still, health officials underscore the urgency: with infections rising at this pace, the Philippines must accelerate prevention, testing, and treatment efforts to curb the projected surge to 252,800 cases in 2025.
