Philippines Faces Growing HIV Crisis: DOH Calls for Public Health Emergency

The Philippines faces a growing HIV crisis, prompting the Department of Health (DOH) to call for a national public health emergency declaration. The DOH reported a surge in HIV cases between January and March 2025, significantly higher than the same period in 2024. "The increase is alarming," said a DOH official in an interview featured in the video. To address the situation, the DOH launched a new online patient appointment system at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila. This system aims to improve access to HIV treatment and medications, reducing long wait times previously experienced by patients. One patient, Reynier, shared his experience of waiting for hours to receive treatment. The new system is expected to provide relief to patients and improve the overall response to the HIV crisis in the country. The DOH's initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling the growing HIV epidemic.