HIV treatment open to minors through proxy consent – DOH

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February 24, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Minors living with HIV or human immunodeficiency virus can have access to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment through a proxy consent system, according to the Department of Health.

The DOH said the move aims to prevent delays in life-saving medication.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said newly diagnosed HIV cases are mostly youths below 18, but some fail to start treatment because they cannot immediately secure parental consent.

“Most of the new HIV cases – about 57 a day – include a large percentage below 18 years old. They need parental consent to start ARV,” Herbosa said. “Some of them disappear after testing positive and come back with advanced HIV.”

To address this, health officials said a proxy consent mechanism may be used so minors can begin treatment.

Dr. Dennis Gregg Almonte, HIV and AIDS medical specialist at the San Lazaro Hospital, said a representative may sign a proxy consent on behalf of the patient when necessary.

“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,” Almonte said. “As much as possible, we refer these cases to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. A trusted person, such as a case manager, may also serve as a representative.”

Free HIV medicines

The DOH said ARV medicines are free in government treatment hubs, including the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila.

“ARVs are not legally sold in the market and online sales may involve counterfeit or unregistered products,” Herbosa said.

The DOH said HIV screening and confirmatory testing remain free in treatment hubs and social hygiene clinics nationwide.

Health officials also encouraged those who may have been exposed to HIV to get tested early, noting that symptoms may initially resemble flu and later disappear before the disease progresses.