MANILA, Philippines — Newly reported HIV cases in the Philippines fell sharply in the second quarter of 2026, declining by 39 percent compared with the same period last year, according to the latest surveillance data from the Department of Health (DOH).
The country recorded 2,994 newly confirmed HIV cases from April to June 2026, equivalent to an average of 33 new cases per day, based on data from the DOH’s One HIV/AIDS & STI Information System (OHASIS).
But while the latest numbers show a significant quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year decline, the broader HIV situation remains a major public-health concern.
The numbers are down — but the total continues to climb
The 2,994 cases reported in the second quarter brought the Philippines’ cumulative number of diagnosed HIV cases to 171,066 since the country recorded its first case in 1984.
The DOH estimates that approximately 288,000 people are living with HIV in the Philippines, meaning the number of diagnosed cases represents only a portion of the estimated total. As of June 2026, about 159,997 people, or 56 percent of the estimated HIV-positive population, had been formally diagnosed.
The latest figures therefore should not be interpreted as the HIV epidemic disappearing. Rather, they indicate a substantial decline in newly reported diagnoses during the quarter.
Who is most affected?
The latest surveillance data show that HIV continues to disproportionately affect males.
Of the 2,994 newly reported cases in Q2, 2,865—or 96 percent—were male, while 129, or 4 percent, were female.
Young and working-age Filipinos accounted for a large share of the new diagnoses. Those aged 25 to 34 made up 43 percent, or 1,294 cases, while people aged 15 to 24 accounted for 31 percent, or 918 cases.
The age pattern is particularly significant because the DOH has previously reported a growing proportion of HIV diagnoses among younger Filipinos.
During the first quarter of 2026, for example, 4,633 new cases were reported, with people aged 25 to 34 accounting for 46 percent and those aged 15 to 24 representing another 31 percent.
A worrying detail: many are still diagnosed late
Despite the decline in new diagnoses, late detection remains a concern.
In Q2 2026, 828 people—or 28 percent of newly diagnosed cases—already had advanced HIV disease when they were tested.
That was still 45 percent lower than the number recorded during the same period in 2025, according to the latest surveillance figures.
The figures underscore why health officials continue to emphasize regular HIV testing and early treatment.
NCR remains the top reporting region
The National Capital Region recorded the largest number of newly reported cases during the second quarter, with 567 cases, or 19 percent of the national total.
It was followed by:
- CALABARZON: 338 cases
- Central Luzon: 280
- SOCCSKSARGEN: 235
- Western Visayas: 189
Together, these five regions accounted for 54 percent of all newly reported HIV cases during Q2 2026.
Prevention efforts are also expanding
One of the more encouraging developments is the continued growth of access to HIV prevention services.
The number of new Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) enrollees reached 9,640 during Q2 2026, a 10-percent increase from the previous quarter.
Young adults aged 18 to 34 represented 84 percent of new PrEP enrollees during the period.
Since PrEP was introduced in the Philippines in March 2021, more than 107,000 clients have accessed the preventive medication, according to the latest surveillance data.
HIV testing capacity has also expanded considerably. The number of certified laboratories capable of confirming HIV diagnoses increased from 26 facilities in 2021 to 195 by mid-2026.
Treatment remains critical
Of the estimated 288,000 people living with HIV nationwide, around 111,154 diagnosed individuals were enrolled in antiretroviral therapy (ART) as of June 2026.
The DOH reported that approximately 57 percent of all people living with HIV who were on ART achieved viral suppression. Among those who underwent viral-load testing, 97 percent achieved viral suppression.
Health authorities and advocates continue to stress that HIV is a manageable condition when diagnosed early and properly treated.
The Commission on Human Rights has also warned that stigma can prevent people from getting tested or seeking treatment. It emphasized that HIV cannot be transmitted through ordinary casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands or sharing utensils.
The bigger picture
The latest 39-percent decline is certainly encouraging, but it comes after a much higher number of newly reported cases in the first quarter.
The Philippines recorded 4,633 new HIV cases from January to March 2026, an average of 51 cases per day.
That means the Q2 decline should be viewed in context: fewer newly reported cases do not mean HIV is no longer a serious public-health issue.
With more than 171,000 diagnosed cases recorded since 1984 and an estimated 288,000 people living with HIV nationwide, continued testing, prevention, treatment and efforts to reduce stigma remain crucial.
For Filipinos who may have been exposed to HIV, health authorities continue to encourage appropriate testing and access to prevention and treatment services rather than delaying care because of fear or stigma.
The numbers may be falling. But the fight is far from over.
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