HIV cases surge in Cebu City; number of young victims hikes

Most HIV patients diagnosed in Cebu City in the first quarter were young adults aged 24 to 34, but Sanchez raised concern over the increasing number of infections among individuals as young as 15.

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"Previously, gamay rana sila but karon we are raising to at least 27 percent, sa Cebu City lang ni sya alone," said Sanchez.

Sanchez attributed the increase in part to greater social media access, which she said fuels sexual curiosity among teenagers—often without sufficient awareness or education.

She also noted that the rise in cases may reflect improved detection due to the city's proactive approach to screening.

Information campaigns emphasizing that HIV is manageable through maintenance medication have helped reduce fear and encouraged more people to undergo testing.

Sanchez emphasized their ongoing efforts to dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV.

"Ang ato man gung hunahuna before sa HIV, death sentence sya, nga if ever ma diagnose ka sa HIV, ang hunahuna dayon sa mga tawo, mamatay na dayon ko, wala na dayon koy pag-asa," said Sanchez.