Muntinlupa city: The Department of Health (DOH) has begun implementing its program to deliver human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) education and prevention services directly to offices and workplaces nationwide.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOH referenced the HIV and AIDS Surveillance of the Philippines (HASP) Report for the first quarter of 2025, noting that half of the new HIV cases recorded during this period involved individuals from the working demographic aged 25 to 34. Acknowledging the considerable time employees spend at work, the DOH’s initiative seeks to utilize workplaces as accessible venues for HIV education and services.

The DOH emphasized that HIV remains a central public health issue in the country. A statement from the DOH highlighted the need to intensify campaigns and services for HIV across both public and private sectors, including workplaces.

The department’s enhanced campaign includes offering free HIV testing, condoms, lubricants, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and education on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to individuals who test positive for HIV. The initiative aims to foster awareness, promote early detection, and mitigate the stigma associated with HIV within professional environments.

The inaugural phase of the workplace campaign was conducted at several business process outsourcing companies located in Filinvest Corporate City in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. DOH health teams provided on-site services and disseminated information on HIV prevention and treatment options.

Last month, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted a 500 percent increase in HIV cases among the youth aged 15 to 25 years and warned that the number of people living with HIV could rise to 400,000 if current trends persist.