Health authorities in Cebu are stepping up HIV awareness and testing campaigns following data showing that minors were among those diagnosed with the virus in the province.
Records from the Cebu Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed that ten individuals below 15 years old were diagnosed with HIV from January to November 2025, based on figures presented during the Openline News Forum on Tuesday, June 2.
PHO Health Education and Promotions Officer II Wilfredo Salgado Jr. said the data highlights the need to strengthen health education efforts, particularly among young people who make up a significant share of reported cases.
He noted that while minors account for a small portion of total cases, most infections were recorded among individuals aged 15 to 24, underscoring continued vulnerability among adolescents and young adults.
PHO data showed a total of 954 diagnosed HIV cases across Cebu Province, including Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu Lapu City.
Of these, 319 were classified as active cases in the province.
Male to male sexual contact remains the leading mode of transmission with 629 cases.
Other reported cases include male to both male and female partners with 133, female to male transmission with 118, 29 cases linked to injecting drug use among men, and four cases of mother to child transmission.
Salgado said details involving minors were not disclosed due to confidentiality protocols.
Authorities said the findings reinforce the need for stronger prevention programs and wider information campaigns on HIV transmission and early testing.
“Kung wala gud tay health literacy, advocacy and information dissemination sa atong mga kabatan onan, dili sila ma aware unsa diay nang sakita,” Salgado said.
HIV screening is currently available in primary health care facilities and rural health units across Cebu. Patients who test reactive are referred to treatment hubs for antiretroviral therapy and other medical care.
Treatment centers are located in Cebu Provincial Hospital facilities in Bogo City, Balamban, and Carcar, providing access to medication for people living with HIV.
Health officials acknowledged that stigma continues to discourage some individuals from seeking testing and treatment, although they noted improving public awareness and openness on sexual health discussions.
To prevent further infections, the Department of Health continues to promote the ABCDE strategy, which encourages abstinence, mutual fidelity, correct and consistent condom use, avoidance of illegal drugs, and continuous education and advocacy.
Cebu Pride Movement co founder Ramon Matthew Basabe cautioned that lower figures should not be interpreted as declining infections, noting that gaps in testing may still result in underreporting.
He emphasized the importance of sustained community education and access to testing, stressing that HIV is now a manageable condition with proper treatment.
“HIV is not a death sentence. Once you have it, there are a lot of treatments to turn it undetectable or untransmittable,” Basabe said.
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