DOH Caraga shows improved HIV testing, detection capability
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Caraga said the increase in HIV cases in the Caraga region reflects the effective implementation of the expanded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and detection efforts of the agency and partner government and private stakeholders, enabling more individuals to know their status early and access life-saving treatment.
The DOH-CHD Caraga reported the improvement in testing and detection processes during the celebration of Pride Month on June 11 in Butuan City.
Based on cumulative data from 2015 to March 2026, the Philippines has recorded a total of 168,079 HIV cases, with 4,633 newly diagnosed cases reported as of March 2026.
In the Caraga region, the cumulative number of HIV cases increased from 2,289 in 2025 to 2,373 as of March 2026, reflecting 84 newly diagnosed cases from January to March 2026.
Of these 2,373 cases, 1,157 are in the 25-34 age group; 839 in the 15-24 age group; 323 in the 35-49 age group; 42 in the 50 and older age group; and 12 in the 15 years old and below.
While the rise in reported cases remains a public health concern, it also indicates that more people are availing themselves of the HIV testing services, allowing previously undiagnosed infections to be identified.
Early detection is critical in preventing severe illness and reducing HIV transmission. DOH-CHD Caraga continues to encourage individuals, especially those with a potential risk of exposure, to undergo regular and confidential HIV testing.
DOH-CHD Caraga further assured that HIV testing, counseling, treatment, and support services remain available in accredited treatment hubs across the region. Currently, there are eight outpatient and inpatient treatment hubs in the region, namely: Caraga Regional Hospital; Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center; Butuan Medical Center (Palliative Care Wellness Center); D.O Plaza Memorial Hospital; Valentina G. Plaza Memorial Hospital; Bislig Bayside Treatment Hub; Dinagat District Hospital; and MJ Santos Hospital.
As support to the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., DOH-CHD Caraga, along with the different local government units, continues to promote safer sexual practices such as condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent the spread of HIV.
It cited the city government of Butuan for implementing free HIV testing in its main health centers and conducting satellite free testing, championing HIV testing efforts and bringing this healthcare service nearer to communities. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
