Author: Selena Alzate

The “Hakdaw Kabataan” project in Quezon City trains youth leaders to provide free HIV testing in their communities, addressing disproportionately high HIV rates among Filipino teens. By promoting U=U and empowering youth leaders to spread prevention messages on social media, this initiative strives to end HIV stigma and improve access to treatment and care.

The mental health of Filipino seafarers has come under intense scrutiny. This is following the release of a recent study by the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), a government-run maritime training and research institution. 

Discover why breastfeeding is crucial for newborns, particularly in the first two months of life. Learn about the risks of diarrhoea in non-breastfed infants and the unparalleled protective benefits of breast milk.

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported the first case of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) in the Philippines for 2024. This new case brings the total number of recorded mpox cases in the country to 10. The last case was documented in December 2023, and all previous patients have since recovered.

The Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) has emphasised the importance of paying attention to skin conditions, which may reflect deeper, systemic health problems

The FDA issued a reminder to consumers, cautioning against purchasing or using health products that have been compromised due to submersion in floodwaters.

Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to adopt a more aggressive approach to combating the disease. This is amid growing concerns over a potential surge in leptospirosis cases following recent floods. 

In response to the alarming rise in leptospirosis cases following recent flooding, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has urged local government units (LGUs) to create ordinances that prohibit children from playing in floodwater.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed two executive orders (EOs) on Tuesday, August 6. These orders led to the creation of the Presidential Office for Child Protection (POCP) and the reorganisation of the government’s Task Force on Zero Hunger. The newly established POCP is tasked with overseeing and aligning government initiatives aimed at safeguarding children and promoting their well-being. This office will play a crucial role in monitoring, harmonising, and recommending policies related to child protection. With a particular focus on combating online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM), and child trafficking.

Taal Volcano, located in Batangas, Philippines, continues to exhibit significant volcanic activity. During its latest explosive episode, it emitted a substantial amount of sulphur dioxide (SO₂). The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the volcano released approximately 3,300 metric tonnes of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. This recent activity has raised concerns among local authorities and residents, prompting the issuance of safety advisories.