The Philippine Department of Health has issued a warning regarding the abnormal rise in HIV infections among young males. According to reports, there was a 500% increase in cases among individuals aged 15 to 25 in the first three months of 2025, with 95% of new cases being male.

Statistics indicate that there were 5,101 reported new HIV cases in the first quarter of 2025, averaging 57 new cases each day, a staggering increase of 500% compared to the same period last year. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated, "We now have the highest number of new cases in the Western Pacific region."

Alarmingly, the youngest patient is a 12-year-old girl from Palawan, who contracted the virus through sexual contact. Among the newly reported cases, 95% are male, with young males aged 15 to 24 accounting for 33%, and those aged 25 to 34 making up 47%.

Health department spokesperson Albert Domingo commented that the prevalence of social media and dating apps has made it easier for young people to find sexual partners, further promoting the spread of HIV. The Health Department estimates that by the end of this year, there will be approximately 252,800 individuals living with HIV in the Philippines. If the outbreak is not effectively controlled, the national number of HIV infections could exceed 400,000.

Thus, Herbosa has advised announcing a "national public health emergency" to enable the government to activate a coordinated response mechanism across sectors to enhance prevention measures and effectively reduce the ongoing increase in new HIV cases.