FEBRUARY 24, 2026 — The Department of Health (DOH) has rolled out a bold move that could change the lives of thousands of young Filipinos living with HIV: minors can now access antiretroviral (ARV) treatment through a proxy consent system.

Why does this matter? Because every single day, around 57 new HIV cases are reported in the Philippines, and a large chunk of them are under 18. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa admitted that many of these young patients vanish after testing positive — only to return later with advanced HIV. 

The reason? They couldn’t immediately secure parental consent. 

Now, with proxy consent, a social worker, doctor, or even a trusted case manager can step in to authorize treatment. 

As Dr. Dennis Gregg Almonte of San Lazaro Hospital explained, “A social worker can sign on behalf of the patient, or in some cases a doctor, especially if the child urgently needs to be enrolled in ARV treatment.” 

Now this is a lifeline. ARV medicines are free in government hubs like San Lazaro, and HIV screening remains free nationwide. However, they are not legally sold in the market, and online sales may involve counterfeit or unregistered products. 

So what does this mean? It means fewer delays, fewer young lives lost, and hopefully, fewer cases of HIV progressing unchecked. It also means we can start talking more openly about HIV, testing, and treatment — without stigma, without shame.

Do you think this proxy consent system will finally break the silence and give our youth the fighting chance they deserve? 

(Image: Philippine News Agency)