Free Condoms In MM Eyed Amid HIV Rise

Free condoms will be available in many Metro Manila establishments amid rising cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections nationwide, according to the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC).

“The plan is to make condoms available in bars, bathhouses, spas and motels – those identified as red district areas,” PNAC executive director Joselito Feliciano told The Philippine STAR on Monday, July 14.

Workplace lavatories, gas stations, tricycle terminals and health centers will also be supplied with free condoms.

“Our plan is ready… We are still seeking the help of local government units in identifying other possible areas where to supply said items,” Feliciano noted.

“Initially, it will be the Department of Health (DOH) that will provide free condoms, but we have a call for local governments to co-share. There is also a plan for the private sector to provide complimentary condoms for this purpose,” he added.

Distribution of free condoms will not happen in schools, he stressed.

“What we are doing is giving people the option to decide for themselves. We will give them access and then, they decide,” Feliciano said.

The DOH has reported a 500-percent increase in HIV cases among age group 15 to 25 between 2010 and 2023.

About 5,101 confirmed HIV cases were recorded in the first quarter, which is 50 percent higher than 3,409 cases recorded in the same period last year.