DOH: More than 300 HIV care centers now accessible in PH

The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday said more than 300 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) care facilities are now operating across the country, expanding access to testing and treatment services for Filipinos.

During a radio broadcast, the DOH reported that 338 HIV care facilities are currently providing free HIV-related services.

These include screening and confirmatory testing, antiretroviral therapy, counseling, combination prevention methods, and viral load testing.

Of the total, 186 facilities are in Luzon, 77 in the Visayas, and 75 in Mindanao, reflecting efforts to decentralize access to care.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa welcomed the expansion of treatment hubs, noting that the increase would make testing more accessible.

He added that self-test kits are also being distributed through civil society organizations.

“We’re one of the highest [in HIV cases] in the ASEAN region, with about 16 new cases a day, mostly among very young men, so it’s very important that we stop this," he said.

"You shouldn’t die as long as it is treated early,” Herbosa added, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation currently provides an Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package of up to ₱58,500 per patient annually to support those undergoing treatment.

Herbosa also said he is in discussions with the United States Department of State to secure access to lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable treatment administered twice a year.

“This will be a game changer. It’s expensive, but it has been promised to us as a grant,” he said.

Earlier, the DOH described HIV as an “evolving local epidemic” amid the steady rise in cases nationwide.

Based on current projections, the number of people living with HIV in the Philippines could exceed 457,000 by 2030 if trends continue.—MCG, GMA Integrated News