Ahtisa Manalo recently voiced her thoughts on the alarming 500% surge in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases among Filipino youth.
Photo: Ahtisa Manalo/Facebook
In a social media post, the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 titleholder said she cannot remain silent about the issue, especially as a beauty queen and advocate for youth empowerment.
“As a beauty queen and an advocate for youth empowerment, I cannot stay silent in the face of a crisis that affects the very heart of our future. The 500% rise in HIV cases among Filipino youth is more than just a statistic—it is a call to action,” she noted.
The beauty queen further emphasized the importance of age-appropriate sexual health education to guide the youth in making informed choices.
“This dramatic increase reflects a lack of access to accurate, compassionate, and age-appropriate sexual health education. Proper education is not about encouraging recklessness—it’s about equipping young people with the truth, the tools, and the confidence to make informed choices about their health and well-being,” she continued.
Ahtisa also called on the public to end the stigma and amplify conversations surrounding sexual health.
“We must end the stigma, open up conversations, and ensure that every young Filipino has access to life-saving information. Education is empowerment—and empowered youth can change the world. Let us rise together, not in fear, but in knowledge, compassion, and responsibility,” she concluded.
The Department of Health (DOH) recently announced a 500% increase in HIV cases among Filipinos aged 15 to 25, requesting the declaration of a national public health emergency for HIV.
The agency reported 5,101 HIV cases in the country from January to March, with the youngest case involving a 12-year-old who engaged in unprotected sex.
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