THE Department of Health (DOH) warned that the country continues to face an “evolving local epidemic” as HIV cases steadily rise, with more than 217,700 Filipinos now living with the virus.
During a Senate Committee on Health and Demography hearing, DOH data showed an estimated 30,800 new HIV infections recorded annually, along with 2,300 AIDS-related deaths.
Projections indicate that by 2030, the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) could climb to more than 457,000.
“Globally, annual new infections and AIDS-related deaths are on a steady decline, including in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for us in the Philippines,” said Dr. Noel Palaypayon of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, noting a 555% increase in new infections and a 667% rise in AIDS-related deaths between 2010 and 2024.
“This means we have an evolving local concentrated epidemic that requires sustained and intensified interventions,” he added.
DOH HIV Program Manager Dr. John Derek Junio acknowledged gaps in meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which aim for 95% of PLHIV diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed on treatment, and 95% of treated individuals achieving viral suppression by 2030.
“As of October 2025, our performance stands at 60%-64%-59%,” Junio said, adding that the department is recalibrating its HIV and STI response plan for 2026 to 2030.
