By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – The cumulative number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases recorded in the Caraga Region has reached 2,447, prompting the Department of Health in Caraga (DOH-13) to renew its call for residents to get tested as services become increasingly available across the region.
Data provided by DOH-13 on Thursday showed that 158 new HIV cases were recorded in the region from January to June 2026.
The figure is lower than the annual cases recorded in the previous three years: 340 in 2023, 367 in 2024 and 389 in 2025.
The region’s 2,447 HIV cases were based on cumulative data recorded from 1995 through June 2026.
Among the provinces, Agusan del Norte recorded 179 cases; Agusan del Sur, 430; Dinagat Islands, 61; Surigao del Norte, 226; and Surigao del Sur, 338.
Among the cities, Butuan recorded the highest number with 564 cases, followed by Surigao City with 297; Tandag City, 98; Bislig City, 96; Bayugan City, 91; and Cabadbaran City, 66.
During a press conference, DOH-13 renewed its call for residents to undergo HIV testing.
“All Rural Health Units, public and private hospitals and private laboratories in the region are already testing facilities for HIV,” said Arlene Serano, Nurse V and HIV focal person of DOH-13.
Serano said the region also has 14 existing HIV treatment centers.
Of the 14 treatment centers, four are in Butuan City, three each in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte, two in Surigao del Sur, and one each in Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Islands.
“We continue our campaign for residents to have themselves tested for HIV with the availability of testing facilities in their localities,” Serano said. (PNA)
