The City Health Office (CHO) of San Fernando reported on Thursday that cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continue to rise, particularly in the 15 to 24 age group.
From January to December 2024, the CHO said that 79 "confirmed" HIV cases have been recorded.
The health office noted that data are subject to change after inclusion of delayed reports and review of cases.
The CHO defined a "confirmed case" as a person with laboratory-confirmed HIV infection, regardless of clinical signs and symptoms.
The virus destroys the human immune system and could lead to Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if untreated.
In the 15 to 24 age bracket, 30 cases have been logged during the period last year, a rise from 17 cases in 2022 and 20 in 2023 or a total of 170 since 1984.
Cases under the 25 to 34 years old group decreased to 34 in 2024 from 40 in 2023, after a spike in 2022 from 22 cases. In this age bracket, a total of 274 cases have been recorded since 1984 to 2024.
An increase of infections in the 35 to 46 age group was also noted by the CHO. Some 13 cases were reported during the period, up from nine in 2022 and 10 in 2023, or a total of 108 since 1984.
Only two cases were logged in the 50 years old up group (15 cases since 184).
No cases were reported under the 15-year-old and below bracket.
The total number of recorded confirmed HIV cases in the city is 564 since 1984.
"This is a serious public health concern that needs our attention and action. Protect yourself. Protect others. Get tested. Stay informed. For more information, visit your barangay health center or contact the city health office at (0919) 078 8454," the CHO said.
On Thursday, the Department of Health (DOH) is ramping up efforts to curb the rise in HIV cases in the country.
The agency proposed a national public health emergency declaration amid the 500-percent increase in the number of cases among the country's youth.
The agency has expanded access to testing and treatment, and streamlined services for people living with HIV.
These include the launching appointment systems in hospitals, distribution of free antiretroviral drugs or ARVs, regular consultations, and the conduct of a nationwide awareness campaign to normalize testing and reduce fear among the public.
DOH data shows that from January to March 2025, the country recorded an average of 57 new HIV cases per day.
The figure represents a 500 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Most of the newly reported infections were among males, with 33 percent aged 15 to 24 and 47 percent aged 25 to 34.
"HIV is no longer a death sentence. It can be addressed through maintenance medication, allowing patients to live normally," the agency said.