UN urges stronger HIV response as cases among Filipino youth surge by 500%

Amid a staggering 500% increase in HIV cases among young Filipinos, the United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Philippine government in addressing what is now being considered a national public health emergency.

Arnaud Peral, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in HIV infections, particularly among individuals aged 15 to 25. 

“We have been expressing concern for quite some time about the increasing numbers,” Peral said, noting that the UN, through its joint program UNAIDS and agencies like UNFPA and UNICEF, has been working closely with the Philippines’ health department. 

According to the DOH, over 6,700 new HIV cases were recorded from January to April 2025, averaging 56 new cases daily. This marks a 44% increase from the same period last year, with youth accounting for the bulk of new infections 

Peral acknowledged the limitations in international funding but emphasized that the Philippines has been receiving support through mechanisms like the Global Fund. “The resources from the international community are limited, but we have been accessing the Global Fund for the Philippines for a few years,” he said.

As the country approaches the mid-term review of its national development plans, Peral stressed the importance of reassessing current strategies. “The scale of the challenge is also challenging us—to unpack what it means and establish a proper strategy to address it,” he explained.

He confirmed that HIV will be a key priority moving forward, with updated data and strategies to be reflected in the upcoming Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We will be looking at the latest numbers. That will be published pretty soon in the VNR,” Peral said. “And definitely on HIV, it’s going to be a priority.”

The Department of Health has already called on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to declare a national public health emergency, citing the Philippines as having the highest number of new HIV cases in the Western Pacific region.

As the crisis deepens, Peral emphasized the need for a united response: “We are now reviewing how we can support this strategy and national emergency. The whole of society must come together to address this.” — BM, GMA Integrated News