DOH Provides Free HIV Services During Pride Run
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) launched its “Love Loud Love Safe: Pride Run 2025” this Sunday, offering free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services. The initiative aims to raise awareness and provide accessible healthcare to the public.
The DOH invited everyone to visit their Love Loud, Love Safe booth at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay. Here, participants can access a range of free HIV services, including testing and consultations, condoms, lubricants, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and HIV self-testing kits. The event also features health education and interactive activities focusing on HIV/AIDS and the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) message.
Expanding Access to Free HIV Services Nationwide
The DOH confirmed that these free HIV services are available not only at the event but also at various testing centers nationwide on the same day. People interested in getting tested or seeking consultation were encouraged to visit designated treatment hubs throughout the country.
Rising HIV Cases Prompt Urgent Calls for Action
Earlier this month, the DOH urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare HIV a national public health emergency. This appeal came after a staggering 500 percent increase in new HIV cases across the Philippines.
From January to March 2025 alone, over 5,100 new HIV diagnoses were recorded. This sharp rise has alarmed health officials and advocates, emphasizing the need for intensified prevention, testing, and treatment efforts.
Community Engagement and Education Efforts
During the Pride Run, the DOH’s booth not only provided medical services but also educated attendees about HIV prevention and treatment. The interactive activities helped spread awareness about the importance of regular testing and the empowering U=U concept, which stresses that people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus.
Local leaders and health experts have noted the event as a vital step toward combating the HIV epidemic. They stressed that such public health initiatives must continue alongside government support to effectively curb the spread of HIV.
For more news and updates on HIV awareness and health services, visit Filipinokami.com.