The Philippines is confronting its largest HIV outbreak on record, with 57 new infections reported daily. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa stated that nearly a third of these cases are among individuals younger than 18, calling it a “big problem.”
During a Department of Health (DOH) budget hearing, the issue of funding was raised. Representative Perci Cendaña highlighted that the AIDS Medium Term Plan estimates a need for P16 billion in 2026 to address what he termed a “youth epidemic.”
Secretary Herbosa explained that funding for HIV programs, including antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and testing, is not a separate line item in the national budget. Instead, it is embedded within PhilHealth benefit packages and hospital operating expenses.
Concerns about the suspension of US aid were also addressed. Herbosa clarified that while some aid was halted, over $500 million in new grants are forthcoming through programs like the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), representing an overall increase in funding despite program delays.
This situation follows a recent DOH report of a 500% increase in HIV cases among young Filipinos. As of June 2025, the Philippines has recorded 148,831 cumulative HIV cases. The first quarter of 2025 alone saw 5,101 new cases, a sharp rise from 3,409 in the same period last year.
