Quezon City Records 421 New HIV Cases Early 2025
Quezon City has reported a total of 421 new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases from January to May 2025, marking a 2.43 percent increase compared to 411 cases recorded during the same period in 2024, local health authorities said. This rise in HIV cases early 2025 highlights the urgent need for enhanced prevention and treatment programs, especially targeting vulnerable groups.
Among those diagnosed this year, 149 individuals (35%) belong to the 15-24 age group, with 40 percent identified as students. This alarming trend has prompted calls for intensified youth-centered awareness, testing, and treatment initiatives. Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized, “With the significant increase of cases among ages 15 to 24, we make sure that all of them are receiving the treatment they need in our city’s Social Hygiene Clinics.”
Expanded HIV Testing Drives and Clinic Network
In response to the growing HIV cases early 2025, Quezon City has expanded its testing programs. Over 21,000 individuals underwent HIV testing from January to May, a 16.7 percent increase compared to last year, showing a steady upward trend over the past three years. The city continues to enhance its network of Social Hygiene and Sundown Clinics, which provide free and confidential HIV-related services including testing, PrEP, PEP, ART, and STI screening.
Dr. Rolando Cruz, the city epidemiologist, explained, “We are strengthening our testing capacities so that we will be able to find those with HIV and link them to treatment. Because more tests mean more people are aware of their status, and that allows us to respond faster. The first step in fighting any epidemic is information.” Currently, five out of six districts have clinic coverage, with Klinika Talipapa in District 6 scheduled to open in 2026.
Innovative and Accessible Testing Programs
To further improve accessibility, Klinika Eastwood has introduced the “Drive, Park, and Test” program, enabling clients to get tested without leaving their cars. This discreet and convenient approach encourages more people to know their HIV status while reducing stigma.
Youth-Focused Initiatives and Community Engagement
The Quezon City government is intensifying its youth-focused programs to curb the rise in HIV cases early 2025. The Hakdaw Kabataan initiative, in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the HIV & AIDS Support House (HASH), trained over 60 youth volunteers in 2024 and helped test 1,940 individuals through peer-to-peer campaigns. These efforts aim to empower young residents in understanding HIV and promoting safe practices.
Parent and teacher orientations, along with school-based education and on-campus testing, are being rolled out to raise awareness early and reduce stigma. Mayor Belmonte urged the youth, saying, “I am calling on all young QCitizens to be part of this advocacy. This fight cannot be won without you. You are not just the most affected, you are also our most powerful weapon. By stepping up, speaking out, and getting tested, you are helping build a healthier, more livable, and stigma-free Quezon City.”
Comprehensive Support for Newly Diagnosed Patients
The Quezon City Service Delivery Network (SDN) plays a critical role in linking newly diagnosed individuals to treatment facilities. It also provides counseling, adherence programs, and community care to ensure patients receive continuous support.
Through these combined efforts, Quezon City aims to control the spread of HIV by focusing on early detection, treatment, and community involvement.
For more news and updates on HIV cases, visit Filipinokami.com.