Amidst the staggering 500% increase in the total national HIV and AIDS cases as reported by the Department of Health, Quezon City remains at the forefront of the epidemic response, proving that committed local leadership, accessible services, and strong community involvement can make all the difference. 

From January to May 2025, Quezon City recorded 421 new HIV diagnoses, marking a 7.7% increase compared to the 391 cases during the same period in 2024. 35% or 149 of those diagnosed with HIV this year are among the Young Key Population or aged between 15-24 years old, 40% of whom are students.

“With the significant increase of cases among ages 15 to 24, we make sure that all of them are receiving the treatment they need in our city’s Social Hygiene Clinics,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte. 

The city has seen a consistent and significant rise in HIV testing over the past three years. From January to May 2025, over 21,000 people were tested—16.7% more than in the same period in 2024, 22.5% more than in 2023, and 60% more than in 2022.

At this pace, Quezon City is reinforcing its commitment to early detection, holistic treatment, and proactive prevention.

“We are strengthening our testing capacities so that we will be able to find those with HIV and link them to treatment,” Quezon City Epidemiologist Dr. Rolando Cruz said. “Because more tests mean more people are aware of their status, and that allows us to respond faster. The first step in fighting any epidemic is information.”

People-Centered Initiatives

A major cornerstone of the city’s efforts is ensuring accessible and equitable health services for all. The Local Government has established Social Hygiene and Sundown Clinics in five of its six districts. And will soon open Klinika Talipapa in District 6, completing the citywide network in 2026. 

These clinics offer free and confidential services such as HIV & AIDS testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), counseling, as well as testing and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections. 

These facilities open beyond regular clinic hours, ensuring accessibility and privacy even to those who work long or irregular shifts.

A notable innovation to the city’s approach is Klinika Eastwood’s “Drive, Park, and Test” program.  This pioneering initiative allows clients to receive HIV testing from the comfort of their vehicles. 

To ensure that no one is left behind, the Quezon City Service Delivery Network (SDN) seamlessly refers persons living with HIV (PLHIV)  from testing centers to treatment hubs. 

The network supports psychosocial interventions, treatment adherence counseling, and community mobilization, especially in underserved and high-risk populations. This integration of services strengthens the city’s capacity to respond swiftly and compassionately to the needs of PLHIV and those vulnerable to infection.

The SDN guarantees that PLHIV receive continuous, holistic, and coordinated support. It is an interconnected system of health facilities, community-based and non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups working together to streamline services from diagnosis to treatment and long-term care.

Recognizing that the youth remain one of the most vulnerable demographics, the city launched Hakdaw Kabataan—a pioneering partnership between the Quezon City Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and the HIV & AIDS Support House (HASH).

This program trains youth leaders to be Community-Based HIV Screening Motivators (CBS Motivators), empowering them to lead peer-to-peer testing initiatives and amplify awareness in their respective barangays. In 2024, the program trained over 60 young volunteers and tested an impressive 1,940 individuals in the same year.

Beginning in March 2024, the City Health Department, through its Epidemiology and Surveillance Division, has organized a series of orientations involving Parent-Teacher Associations to better educate parents and teachers on HIV & AIDS, and other Sexually Transmitted Infections as well as conducted on-campus testing and education campaigns for students.

“I am calling on all young QCitizens to be part of this advocacy. This fight cannot be won without you,” added Mayor Joy Belmonte. “You are not just the most affected, you are also our most powerful weapon. By stepping up, speaking out, and getting tested, you are helping build a healthier, more livable, and stigma-free Quezon City.”

All these initiatives are part of the city’s “Bahagi Ka ng Solusyon” campaign, which calls on residents to actively participate in HIV & AIDS prevention. The campaign fosters a culture of shared responsibility, breaking down stigma and promoting open conversations around sexual health.

Despite the increase in reported cases, Quezon City remains on track in achieving its Zero @ 2030 goal, thanks to the collaboration of government agencies, various organizations, and its QCitizens.

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