Public Health Declares HIV as an Emergency
Cebu Declares HIV a Public Health Emergency in Response to Rising Cases
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has declared HIV a Public Health Emergency, following a significant increase in reported cases in the province. This decision comes in light of the 22 new HIV cases recorded this year and the cumulative count of 2,280 since 1984, making Cebu the sixth-highest region in the Philippines for new HIV cases nationwide [1].
The declaration reflects a broader trend in the Philippines, where new infections surged to 5,101 in the first quarter of 2025 alone, with sexual contact, particularly among males who have sex with males, as the primary transmission mode [2].
In response to this emergency, various initiatives have been put in motion. The Department of Health (DOH) is leading the charge, intensifying awareness and testing campaigns, and bringing HIV services and education directly to workplaces to curb transmission and reduce stigma [2]. The DOH also aims to improve HIV prevention services and support systems to prevent a projected surge in cases that could reach over 400,000 by 2030 if services do not improve [2][4].
Support for the declaration extends beyond the DOH. Dr. Loyd Norella, representing the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, believes that the declaration will lead to more resources for various initiatives, including increasing the number of human health resources, visibility campaigns, and avenues for discussion and collaboration [5].
The emergency declaration also emphasizes the need to normalize HIV testing, similar to testing for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or tuberculosis. Baricuatro urges people not to be afraid of HIV testing to ensure early detection and prevention of the disease, especially for sexually active individuals [6]. She calls for the implementation of HIV testing in every barangay health station, outpatient service, and prenatal checkup [7].
It is crucial to note that HIV is a virus that attacks white blood cells called CD4 T cells, which are usually protected from disease. Untreated HIV can lead to a high viral load and no specific symptoms [8]. HIV can be transmitted through physical contact, illegal drug use with shared needles, contact with infected blood, or childbirth [9].
The age range of those infected with HIV is between 15 and 34 years old [10]. In this context, Baricuato commits the full support of the Province of Cebu to the urgent cause of declaring HIV as a Public Health Emergency. The comprehensive efforts aim to control the epidemic's growth, promote early diagnosis, and ensure continuous care for those living with HIV (PLHIV) in Cebu and the wider Philippines.
[1] https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/04/01/2123556/cebu-ranks-6th-nationwide-new-hiv-cases-2021 [2] https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health/04/01/25/cebu-declares-hiv-a-public-health-emergency-amid-rising-cases [3] https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/04/01/2123556/cebu-ranks-6th-nationwide-new-hiv-cases-2021 [4] https://www.rappler.com/nation/health/235866-hiv-aids-philippines-projections-2030 [5] https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/health/784771/cebu-declares-hiv-aids-a-public-health-emergency/story/ [6] https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health/04/01/25/cebu-declares-hiv-a-public-health-emergency-amid-rising-cases [7] https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/04/01/2123556/cebu-ranks-6th-nationwide-new-hiv-cases-2021 [8] https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/managing/basics/understanding-hiv-disease.html [9] https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html [10] https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health/04/01/25/cebu-declares-hiv-a-public-health-emergency-amid-rising-cases
- In light of the Public Health Emergency declaration for HIV in Cebu, initiatives are being implemented to improve mental health for those living with HIV (PLHIV), recognizing the stress and stigma associated with the condition.
- The increase in HIV cases in Cebu has brought sexual health to the forefront of health and wellness discussions, with a focus on prevention, education, and reducing transmission through safe sex practices and HIV testing.
- The Pilipinas Shell Foundation supports the Cebu HIV Public Health Emergency declaration, advocating for better science and technology to support the ongoing fight against HIV, and to address the epidemic's impact on the broader health community.
