The Department of Health-SOCCSKSARGEN (DOH-12) has reported that the number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the region has increased by 40 percent.

Data from DOH-12 showed that from January 1 to April 30, 2025, HIV cases have reached 248, higher than the 145 cases recorded in the same period in 2024.

Most of those infected are men 25 to 34 years old.

DOH identified unprotected sex, particularly the non-use of condoms, as the leading cause of the rapid spread of the virus.

Other factors include sharing of contaminated needles, transfusion of HIV-contaminated blood, and mother-to-child transmission.

Aside from this, health authorities also cited that the increasing number of ways of finding sexual partners such as through online dating apps and visiting massage parlors that may offer sexual services may be contributing factors to the speed in transmission.

“Dapat maging aware tayo doon. Yung mga tao especially talaga mga kabataan ma-educate sila on how to protect themselves para hindi tayo mahawa,” DOH-12 Health Information Officer, Lea Dominguez Reformado, said.

To address the rising trend, DOH-12 urged individuals, especially those who are sexually active, to undergo HIV testing for early diagnosis and access to treatment.

Currently, there are 18 HIV treatment centers in the region, including the Regional Health Unit.

“I-normalize natin sa pandinig nila na pwede kang magpa-check. Pwede kang magpatest. Huwag kang matakot kasi until now taboo parin ang HIV. Nakakahiya kasi primarily ang transmission of the disease is sexual intercourse,” Reformado added.