Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
MEDICAL experts are sounding the alarm as cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among Filipino youth surge, emphasizing that early awareness and accessible testing — even for those as young as 15 — are critical to reversing the rising cases.
During a media conference by the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) for World AIDS Day, health experts revealed that about 34 percent of new HIV cases are now among those aged 15 to 24, with daily diagnoses averaging 55 cases — most of them young men.
“Our youth are being hit dramatically. Early sexual activity, multiple partners, and transactional sex are putting them at increased risk,” said Dr. Jo-anne A. de Castro, president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines.
While HIV is a manageable disease with proper treatment, the virus is still spreading rapidly among adolescents and young adults, highlighting the need for testing to be more widely available and accessible to adolescents, not just adults.
The Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act states that individuals as young as 15 can now get tested for HIV without parental consent.
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However, while 15-year-olds can consent to HIV testing, access to contraception and preventive medications like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) remains restricted by law and require parental consent for minors.
“Prevention efforts and education must start before risky behaviors begin. We need to arm the youth with knowledge and normalize regular testing,” de Castro said.
While awareness campaigns have increased, she acknowledged that stigma remains an obstacle. “Stigma stops young people from seeking help or even asking questions. Testing for HIV should be a routine,” Dr. Marimel Pagcatipunan of the Philippine General Hospital told The Manila Times.
She also debunked claims that providing contraception, especially to the youth, encourages promiscuity.
“It’s about equipping young people with the facts so they can make safe choices,” she said.
She reminded the public that testing is free and confidential at government hubs and hospitals, and self-test kits are available over the counter, removing major barriers to early diagnosis and treatment.