Unprotected sex, online porn, dating apps driving HIV cases – DOH chief

The rise in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases among young Filipinos is driven by high-risk sexual behavior, including unprotected sex, online pornography, and dating apps, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said Thursday, June 5.

- By JEL SANTOS

As of the first quarter of 2025, the health department has recorded an average of 57 new HIV cases per day.

"Risky behavior has increased.

First, easy access to online pornography; second, dating apps; third, lack of protection, unprotected sex," Herbosa said during a media briefing, when asked about the reasons behind the rise in HIV cases.

Such behavior, he noted, makes testing and prevention more difficult, especially among adolescents.

Herbosa said the youngest reported HIV case is a 12-year-old child from Palawan who is already sexually active.

The DOH chief also raised concerns about the impact of social stigma on testing uptake.

"I've noticed HIV cases are rising largely because of the stigma," said Herbosa.

To improve access, he said the DOH has lowered the age of consent for HIV testing to 16.

However, Herbosa pointed out that treatment still requires parental consent, which remains a barrier for minors who test positive.

"The problem is we still need parental consent to begin treatment, so that's another law we need," he noted.