DOH-Caraga amps up call for HIV testing before childbirth
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga has intensified its call for pregnant mothers to undergo human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing before giving birth, emphasizing that early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
The appeal was made during the ‘Kapihan sa SM City Butuan’ on December 2 with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga and subject matter experts from other government agencies and civil society organizations (CSOs). The call aligns with the global observance of World AIDS Day.
DOH-CHD Caraga program coordinator Arlene M. Serrano presented regional data on HIV cases, tracing the trend from the first reported case in 1995 up to the present year. According to Serrano, unprotected sexual intercourse remains the leading mode of HIV transmission in Caraga, mirroring national trends. However, she underscored that mother-to-child transmission has emerged as the second-highest mode of infection in the region, raising alarm among health advocates and prompting stronger interventions.
“Though there is a minimal number of HIV cases caused by mother-to-child transmission, our advocacy is to no longer have HIV-positive newborn babies,” Serrano stressed. “This is why we, at DOH-CHD Caraga, strongly campaign and encourage pregnant mothers to visit our public health centers for them to avail of the free HIV testing before giving birth.”
Intensified awareness campaigns.
In response, DOH-CHD Caraga has partnered with local government units (LGUs), hospitals, and community health workers to expand awareness and prevention programs. These include:
- Distribution of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials in health centers, schools, and barangays;
- Counseling sessions during prenatal checkups, where mothers are informed about the risks of HIV and the benefits of early testing;
- Routine HIV testing recommendations for expectant mothers, especially those in high-risk groups; and
- Linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-positive mothers to reduce the risk of transmission during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding.
Health professionals emphasize that ART, when taken consistently, can lower the chances of mother-to-child transmission to less than two percent, compared to up to 45 percent without treatment.
The ABCDE strategy
Serrano also reiterated the ‘ABCDE’ strategy, a framework promoted nationwide to guide individuals in preventing HIV infection:
- Abstain from sex, especially risky encounters,
- Be mutually faithful to one partner,
- Correct and consistent use of condoms,
- Do not share needles; avoid drugs and alcohol, and
- Educate yourself and others about HIV risks.
This strategy, she explained, is not only for the general population but also directly supports efforts to curb mother-to-child transmission by encouraging responsible sexual behavior and awareness.
Regional and national context
Data from DOH show that HIV cases continue to rise nationwide, with 149,375 cumulative laboratory-confirmed cases recorded as of September 2025, and are still expected to rise in number. While Caraga accounts for a smaller share compared to other regions, the increase in mother-to-child transmission cases has become a pressing concern. Between 2020 and 2025, over 200 infants nationwide were reported to have contracted HIV from their mothers, highlighting the need for stronger interventions at the regional level.
DOH-CHD Caraga assured the public that HIV testing services remain free and accessible in government health facilities across the region. The agency also vowed to continue working closely with civil society organizations (CSOs), youth groups, and barangay health workers to eliminate new HIV infections among infants and ensure healthier futures for families in Caraga.
“This is part of our broader commitment to protect mothers and children, and to strengthen the fight against HIV in the region,” Serrano said.
The call to action comes as the Philippines joins the global community in reaffirming its commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (NJGD, PIA Caraga)
