About 3,400 cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been recorded in the country in the first quarter of 2024, data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed.
A total of 3,410 newly diagnosed cases were from January to March, with 82 reported deaths.
Breaking down the numbers, DOH found that most of the newly diagnosed cases 81 percent were among men who have sex with men (MSM), while youth aged 15 to 24 made up almost a third with 31 percent of these new cases.
The median age for new cases was 28 years old, with ages ranging from less than one year old to 66 years old.
By comparison, March saw a particularly high number of new cases, with 1,224 individuals diagnosed and 12 reported deaths.
In light of the situation, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa pointed out that seeking help at general primary care facilities linked to HIV treatment hubs and coordinating with these facilities are important to improve health outcomes for those affected by HIV.
The health department cited that there are currently 224 treatment hubs and primary HIV care facilities nationwide as of May 2024.
“Resilient and sustainable systems for health can and should serve all peoples for all health conditions - starting with the vulnerable,” Herbosa added.
The DOH is also set to join the Candlelight Memorial on May 19 to honor those who lost to AIDS and celebrate the commitment to supporting those living with HIV.