DOH body to distribute free condoms in Metro Manila amid rising HIV cases nationwide
The Department of Health's Philippine National AIDS Council is looking to distribute free condoms in Metro Manila establishments amid rising cases of HIV infections in the country.
PNAC Executive Director Joselito Feliciano told The Philippine STAR that they plan to make condoms available in red district areas like bars, bathhouses, spas, and motels.
They also aim to give free condoms in workplace lavatories, gas stations, tricycle terminals, and health centers.
“Our plan is ready," Feliciano said. "We are still seeking the help of local government units in identifying other possible areas where to supply said items."
The official noted that the DOH was initially set to hand out the free condoms, but the PNAC made a call for local government units to co-share.
"There is also a plan for the private sector to provide complimentary condoms for this purpose,” he added.
Feliciano clarified that the distribution of free condoms won't take place in schools.
“What we are doing is giving people the option to decide for themselves," he said. "We will give them access and then, they decide."
The DOH reported a 500% increase in HIV cases among 15- to 25-year-olds between 2010 and 2023 nationwide.
According to the health agency's surveillance report, there are 148,831 HIV cases recorded nationwide from 1984 to March 2025.
In the first quarter of 2025, a total of 5,101 cases were recorded—higher than the 3,409 cases logged during the same period in 2024.
Last June, the DOH said there was an average of 57 HIV cases reported daily this year, which is also higher than the 37 daily cases recorded during the same period in 2024.
DOH data indicates that sexual contact continues to be the primary mode of HIV transmission, with a significant shift toward cases mostly involving males having sex with males since 2007.
HIV attacks the body's immune system, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's spread through anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment used to inject drugs.
HIV can be transmitted through certain body fluids: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, and vaginal fluids. According to CDC, these fluids must come in contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue, if not directly injected into the bloodstream for transmission to occur.
Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a late stage of the virus infection when the immune system is already badly damaged.
The CDC said people with AIDS typically survive about three years without HIV medicine.
There's no effective cure for HIV to date, but proper medical care can control the virus.
The DOH has advised practicing the combination prevention method, or the use of condoms and lubricants during sex, as well as pre-exposure prophylaxis. It also urged people to take free and confidential HIV tests from the government. Those who would test positive are advised to consult a physician for appropriate antiretroviral therapy.
