Manila, Nov. 29 -- The Department of Health said around 2,500 individuals are expected to benefit from its free human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services in commemoration of the World Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Day 2025 at Liwasang Aurora of Quezon Memorial Circle on Saturday.

The annual observance aims to raise public awareness on HIV and AIDS, express solidarity with Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV), and strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration toward ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Data from the DOH Epidemiology Bureau showed a 550-percent increase in new HIV infections from 2010 to 2024, particularly among those aged 15 to 24.

There was a 22-percent increase in confirmed HIV-positive cases from July to...