In a recent update from the Department of Health-Caraga (DOH-13), it was revealed that 185 new cases of HIV have been identified in the Caraga region, pushing the total number of cases to 1,718 since monitoring started in 1995. This information was disclosed by Necson Gamotin, a health-education program officer at DOH-13, during a press conference facilitated by the Philippine Information Agency.
As of the latest data in June, Agusan del Sur tops the list with 293 cases, followed by Surigao del Sur with 225, Surigao del Norte with 136, Agusan del Norte with 122, and Dinagat Islands with 31 cases. Among the cities, Butuan has the highest number of cases at 442, followed by Surigao with 229, Bislig with 68, Tandag with 65, Bayugan with 61, and Cabadbaran with 46.
The majority of the cases, 94 percent or 1,622 individuals, are male, while females make up 6 percent or 96 individuals. The age groups most affected are those aged 25 to 34, with 850 cases, and those aged 14 to 24, with 524 cases.
Gamotin noted a consistent increase in HIV cases in Caraga over the years, with 841 cases in 2020, rising to 952 in 2021, 1,193 in 2022, and 1,533 in 2023. However, the 185 new cases this year are fewer than the 340 cases in 2023 and 241 in 2022.
To combat the spread of HIV, the region has established nine treatment hubs that also function as testing centers. These are distributed with two in Butuan, three in Agusan del Sur, two in Surigao del Sur, and two in Surigao del Norte. Gamotin stressed that these facilities maintain confidentiality to encourage testing, as fear and stigma often prevent individuals from getting tested.
Under Republic Act 11166, the Philippine HIV and AIDS Policy Act, health personnel are trained to protect patient identities. DOH-13 continues to encourage residents to get tested, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis for effective treatment and management.
From 1995 to 2024, the region has seen 111 HIV-related deaths. This year, only one death has been reported, compared to eight in 2023 and four in 2022. Gamotin emphasized that treatment starts with diagnosis, underscoring the need to increase awareness and reduce the stigma associated with HIV testing.