The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed that 596 Filipinos contracted HIV through transactional sex in the first quarter of 2025, underscoring growing concerns over the country’s worsening HIV crisis.
The cases were part of the 5,101 new HIV diagnoses recorded from January to March. Of the 596 infections linked to paid sex, 249 involved individuals who paid for sex (248 males and 1 female), 239 involved those who received payment (231 males and 8 females), and 108 were individuals who both paid and received payment (105 males and 3 females).
Since the DOH began monitoring HIV infections linked to transactional sex in December 2012, a total of 16,586 such cases have been recorded. More than half of these — 8,962 — occurred in the last five years alone.
As of 2025, the Philippines is grappling with the world’s fastest-growing HIV epidemic, averaging 57 new cases daily. In light of this, the DOH has recommended declaring HIV a national public health emergency to strengthen prevention and treatment efforts.
Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has filed a resolution calling for a Senate inquiry into the implementation of HIV-related laws and programs.
PGMN’s newest anchor, Dr. KC Halili, a sexual health expert, will break down the numbers, causes, and response gaps in her latest episode, premiering tomorrow.
