Up to 5,583 cases of HIV or human immunodeficiency virus have been reported during the third quarter of this year, according to the Department of Health.
Data from the HIV and AIDS Surveillance of the Philippines showed the figure was 22 percent higher than the number of cases recorded during the same period in 2024.
Of the newly reported cases, 895 or 16 percent of the patients have advanced HIV at the time of diagnosis.
Compared to the previous year’s third quarter average of 50 cases per day, a 22-percent increase has been noted this year, averaging at 61 cases per day.
Meanwhile, average monthly cases reported for the same period reached 1,731, which is higher by 17 percent than last year with 1,478.
The National Capital Region recorded the highest number of HIV infections followed by Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Central Visayas and Davao region.
These five regions accounted for 61 percent of the total cases recorded during the period.
Of the confirmed HIV cases reported during the third quarter of this year, 5,299 are men, the DOH said.
‘HIV remains as one of major health concerns in the country. We need to bring our HIV campaign and services closer to the public including in workplaces,’ Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said.
The DOH said there are 305 designated HIV care facilities across the country, which offer prevention seminars, counseling, testing and treatment.