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The Philippines reported about * HIV cases, an increase from the previous year. The number of reported HIV cases has gradually increased since 2012, aside from a significant dip in 2020. 

The state of HIV

As the monthly average number of people newly diagnosed with HIV increases, the risk it poses threatens the lives of Filipinos. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection that attacks the body’s immune system, with more males being diagnosed than females. In 2022, the majority of people newly diagnosed with HIV were those between the age of 25 and 34 years, followed by those aged 15 and 24. There is still no cure for HIV and without treatment, it could lead to other severe illnesses such as tuberculosis and cancers such as lymphoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma. However, HIV is now a manageable chronic illness that can be treated with proper medication. 

What are the leading causes of death in the Philippines?

Between January and September 2024, preliminary figures have shown that ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in the Philippines. The prevalence of heart diseases in the nation has been closely attributed to the Filipino diet, which was described as having a high fat, high cholesterol, and high sodium content. In addition, acute respiratory infections and hypertension also registered the highest morbidity rate among leading diseases in the country in 2021.