Silence the Stigma, Take the Test: Why Caraga’s HIV Battle Ends at Your Local Clinic

BUTUAN CITY (November 7) — The numbers tell a double story in Caraga.

On paper, 2,447 lives across the region have been touched by HIV since tracking began in 1995. But look closer at the latest figures from the Department of Health (DOH-13), and a clearer picture emerges: from January to June 2026, the region logged 158 new cases—a notable drop from the annual surges seen in recent years (340 in 2023, 367 in 2024, and 389 in 2025).

Lower numbers offer hope, but local health officials warn against complacency. The real key to keeping those numbers down isn’t luck—it’s getting tested.

“We continue our campaign for residents to have themselves tested for HIV with the availability of testing facilities in their localities,” says Arlene Serano, DOH-13 HIV focal person and Nurse V.

Where the Cases Stand

HIV affects every corner of the region, though urban hubs naturally report higher concentrations due to population size and testing activity:

• Top Cities: Butuan City leads the regional tallies with 564 cumulative cases, followed by Surigao City (297), Tandag City (98), Bislig City (96), Bayugan City (91), and Cabadbaran City (66).
• Provinces: Agusan del Sur accounts for 430 cases, Surigao del Sur has 338, Surigao del Norte stands at 226, Agusan del Norte records 179, and the Dinagat Islands reports 61.

Help Is Closer Than You Think

The biggest takeaway for Caraga residents today is accessibility. You no longer need to travel to major metro centers or worry about complicated referrals to get checked or treated.

Every Rural Health Unit (RHU), public and private hospital, and private laboratory across Caraga is now an equipped, official HIV testing facility.

If care is needed, 14 dedicated treatment centers are active across the region:

• Butuan City: 4 centers
• Agusan del Sur: 3 centers
• Surigao del Norte: 3 centers
• Surigao del Sur: 2 centers
• Agusan del Norte: 1 center
• Dinagat Islands: 1 center

Knowing your status takes minutes, and modern treatment allows people living with HIV to lead healthy, full lives. DOH-13’s message to the community is simple: drop by your nearest RHU or local clinic today—testing is free, confidential, and readily available right in your hometown.