File photo taken on November 2, 2019 as AIDS Society Philippines staff speak to HIV visitors and offer free tests. New HIV cases in Quezon City reached 421, according to the city government on Sunday. Inquirer Photo / Lyn Rillon
Manila, Philippines – Quezon City recorded 421 new cases of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) from January to May this year. This is more than 7.7% higher than the cases recorded during the same period in 2024.
The city government denounced this in a statement on Sunday following the Declaration of the Ministry of Health (DOH) that the cases of HIV in the country increased by 500%. This has prompted the agency to call on the government to declare a national emergency of public health.
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“From January to May 2025, Quezon City recorded 421 new HIV diagnoses, marking an increase of 7.7% compared to the 391 cases during the same period in 2024,” he said.
“(Thirty-five) percent or 149 of the people diagnosed with HIV this year are part of the young key or aged population aged 15 to 24, including 40%,” he added.
In accordance with this, the mayor of Quezon City, Joy Belmonte, said that the city government ensures that these patients receive the treatment they need in the city’s social hygiene clinics.
`Significant”
Over the past three years, the local government has said that it had experienced a “constant and significant increase in HIV screening. For example, 21,000 people passed the January to May Test of this year, 16.7% higher than the figure in 2024, 22.5% more than in 2023 and 60% in 2022.
With the sharp increase in cases, the city government said it would increase its early detection, holistic treatment and proactive prevention.
Among its initiatives is the creation of social hygiene and sun clinics in five of its six districts. He will also open Klinika Talipapa in the District 6, finishing the network across the city by 2026.
“These clinics offer free and confidential services such as HIV and AIDS tests, pre-exhibition prophylaxis (PREP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), antiretroviral therapy (art), advice, as well as tests and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections,” said Quezon City Stament.
“These installations open beyond regular clinic hours, guaranteeing accessibility and confidentiality even to those working with long changes or irregular,” he added.
The local government also has other initiatives to solve HIV problems, one of which is the “Drive, Park and Test” program by Klinika Eastwood, allowing customers to receive HIV tests from the comfort of their vehicles.M.
