DOH-CAR logs 1,290 HIV cases since 1984; men having sex with men tops the list

Baguio City, Philippines - The number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the Cordillera has reached over 1,200 in the past forty-one years, with the Department of Health confirming that most of the affected individuals are men who have sex with other men.  

During the Kapihan media forum in Baguio City recently, DOH-CAR Development Management Officer Darwin Babon shared that there are a total of 1,290 HIV cases in the region from 1984 to present. 

These included the 84 new cases in 2024 and 31 in the first two months of 2025.  

Of the total cases, Baguio listed the highest with 731, followed by the province of Benguet with 179; Abra with 150; Ifugao with 49; Kalinga with 46; Mt. Province with 35; and Apayao with 34.  

The data shared by Babon revealed that most of the people who tested positive were men, with 1,198, particularly those who had sexual intercourse with other men, as well as those men with multiple partners. 

While the provided information focuses on the number of HIV cases, it doesn’t specifically detail the number of HIV-related deaths in the region.  

To counter the virus from further spreading, the DOH-CAR is encouraging the public, especially the young people, to get tested early, know their status, and start treatment if positive.  

Free HIV testing is available at several treatment hubs in the region. These include hubs at Baguio City Health Services Office, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Benguet Provincial Hospital, Kalinga Provincial Hospital, Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital in Mt. Province, and Far North Luzon General Hospital in Apayao.  

The agency is now also providing free anti-HIV medicines, named Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), to help people who are HIV-negative stay protected from contracting the virus when taken properly.  

For more information on how to get free PrEP, simply visit said HIV treatment hubs. Apart from the medicine, health professionals working at said hubs also offer medical advice and follow-up care.