The Department of Health (DOH) announced that over 300 HIV care facilities are now operating across the Philippines, expanding access to testing and treatment services.
In a radio broadcast, the DOH reported that 338 facilities currently provide free HIV-related services, including screening, confirmatory testing, antiretroviral therapy, counseling, prevention methods, and viral load testing. Of these, 186 are in Luzon, 77 in the Visayas, and 75 in Mindanao.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa welcomed the expansion, highlighting that self-test kits are also being distributed through civil society groups.
“We’re one of the highest [in HIV cases] in the ASEAN region, with about 16 new cases a day, mostly among very young men, so it’s very important that we stop this. You shouldn’t die as long as it is treated early,” he said.
PhilHealth currently offers an Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package of up to ₱58,500 per patient annually.
Herbosa also revealed ongoing talks with the U.S. Department of State to secure lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable treatment administered twice a year.
“This will be a game changer. It’s expensive, but it has been promised to us as a grant,” he added.
The DOH previously described HIV as an “evolving local epidemic,” warning that cases could exceed 457,000 by 2030 if current trends persist.
Expanded treatment hubs and benefit packages are expected to strengthen prevention and care nationwide.