Human immunodeficiency virus infections among children under 15 years of age increased by 50% during the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic in the Philippines

In a recent article, Khin et al. ¹ highlighted the need for HIV testing among women in the Philippines, especially among children and those living in rural areas. In response, this correspondence expounds on the situation of children under 15 years of age and their growing need for HIV care services as the Philippines recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines had the fastest-growing epidemic in the Western Pacific region, which is concentrated among young adults and men who have sex with men. ² Although HIV infections among children are relatively low compared to key populations, HIV infections among children under 15 years of age increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.^3,4

In 2019, the total number of HIV infections among children younger than 15 years old was 217 since the first Philippine HIV infection in 1984. ³ However, the number of new HIV infections among children increased to 325 by 2022, ⁴ representing an increase of about 50% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual number of children under 15 years of age newly diagnosed with HIV infection also increased from 38 to 46 between 2019 and 2022,^3,4 representing an increase of 21%. The growing Philippine HIV epidemic has been attributed to stigma, and the unevenly distributed and limited sexual health services.^2,5,6 Mobility restrictions and decreased HIV testing related to the COVID-19 pandemic have also contributed to the country’s HIV crisis. ⁵ Thus, attention should be given to children as the country addresses its HIV epidemic while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

First, since stigma remains a significant barrier to help-seeking for HIV-related concerns, ⁶ HIV promotion and education programs must be strengthened and incorporated into school programs, such as into the basic education health curriculum. Second, children under 15 years of age may need their parent’s consent to be tested and treated for HIV infection. Thus, parents in places with a high concentration of HIV infection, such as Metro Manila,^2,5 should be given sufficient information, support, and prevention education about HIV. Third, education and intervention programs for pregnant women with HIV infection must be supported and expanded to encourage them to take their medicines to avoid perinatal transmission of HIV. Lastly, HIV testing and services in the country are concentrated in urban areas, such as Metro Manila.^2,5 Therefore, services in rural areas are needed to address the growing concerns about HIV among children. For instance, primary care physicians can be trained and supported in leading HIV care continuum services in their localities.

In general, a collaborative effort is needed between children, schools, parents, and the healthcare sector to address the growing HIV infection among children in the Philippines.