The Department of Health (DOH) announced that over 300 HIV care facilities are now accessible across the Philippines, providing free testing, treatment, and counseling services. Of the 338 centers, 186 are in Luzon, 77 in the Visayas, and 75 in Mindanao, aiming to decentralize access to care.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, noting that self-test kits are also being distributed through civil society groups. The DOH continues efforts to provide advanced treatments, including lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable therapy, in partnership with the U.S. government.
“With around 16 new HIV cases daily, mostly among young men, early treatment is crucial,” Herbosa said, highlighting the country’s position as one of the highest in HIV incidence in ASEAN.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation offers an OHAT Package of up to ₱58,500 per patient annually to support ongoing care. Projections indicate that people living with HIV in the Philippines could surpass 457,000 by 2030 if current trends continue.
