Quezon City, Philippines – Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to combatting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and protecting vulnerable sectors, including the youth, during the city’s recent commemoration of World AIDS Day.
Mayor Belmonte emphasized a strategy grounded in science, data, and compassion, highlighting the city’s aim for zero transmission, zero HIV-related deaths, and zero discrimination through its “Zero at 2030” campaign, launched in 2019.
“While HIV worldwide has been declining, the Philippines continues to record rising infections, driven largely by the stigma and discrimination that prevent people from seeking timely treatment,” Belmonte said.
She stressed the importance of inclusivity, prevention, early testing, and treatment.
The city has implemented targeted programs in response to the growing number of cases, which surpassed 10,000 since national recording began in 1987 (as of June 2025). Key initiatives include:
- Expanded Treatment: Over 8,400 persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are currently enrolled in antiretroviral therapy (ART) through the city’s network of nine sundown and social hygiene clinics.
- Youth Focus: Recognizing that most new infections occur among 14- to 24-year-olds, the city regularly distributes updated HIV modules in high schools and trains Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to integrate HIV awareness into barangay-level programs.
- Accessible Testing: To ensure confidentiality and convenience, the city offers targeted testing and privacy-focused services such as online self-test kits, drive-through testing, and specialized Klinika Eastwood services.
- Record Testing Volume: From January to October 2025, Quezon City conducted more than 47,500 HIV tests, a figure the Mayor noted was significantly higher than any other city.
- PrEP Institutionalization: The local government is actively working to institutionalize city-wide access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that drastically reduces the risk of HIV infection, to ensure all high-risk individuals can protect themselves.
Belmonte concluded by assuring residents that the city’s approach is anchored in a continuous and committed effort to make Quezon City more inclusive for all.