{
  "abstract": "HIV cases in the Philippines have surged dramatically, with 5101 new diagnoses reported in the first quarter of 2025—a 57% increase from the same period in 2024. Young individuals aged 15 to 34 years are the most affected, with 96% of new infections linked to sexual transmission. Alarmingly, there has also been a 12% rise in advanced HIV cases, reflecting delays in diagnosis and limited access to care. The country remains far from achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with only 55% of people diagnosed, 66% on treatment and 40% achieving viral suppression. This letter calls for urgent public health action, including expanded testing, awareness campaigns, improved access to treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis, and stronger surveillance systems. International collaboration is essential, and support from global health organisations is critical to reversing this trend and preventing wider regional consequences.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "KEMU, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan"
      ],
      "name": "Navera Shakeel"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Brigham and Women’s Health Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA"
      ],
      "name": "Hafsa Shahid"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Rising HIV cases in the Philippines in 2025 demand urgent global attention",
  "uid": "dc848a8e-ea13-5a05-9d11-44e4229778de"
}