DOH-CAR scales up Project NAMNAMA to combat rise in HIV cases in Cordillera

Tabuk City, Kalinga - As the number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases continues to rise in Cordillera, the DOH-CAR, in partnership with various local government units (LGUs) and advocacy organizations, is scaling up project NAMNAMA, or the Nurturing Awareness, Mobilizing Networks, Advocating to Mitigate AIDS in the Cordillera.

The project focuses on increasing awareness, promoting preventive practices, enhancing access to free and confidential HIV testing, and providing free anti-HIV medicines across the region, among others.

As part of its strategy, the DOH has intensified community-based HIV screening, deployed mobile testing clinics, supported peer educators, and conducted school and barangay level campaigns to debunk stigma and promote early detection.

Where to get help

The agency ensures the availability of HIV care facilities throughout the region. This June 26, DOH-CAR released an updated list of HIV care centers across Cordillera where individuals can confidentially access free testing, counseling, and get anti-HIV meds. Health authorities are urging the public to know where they can access care, testing, and treatment of the virus.

These facilities include the Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center in Quirino, Luna, Apayao; Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center; Baguio Health Services Office; Benguet General Hospital in KM 5 La Trinidad; Kalinga Provincial Hospital in Bulanao, Tabuk City; La Paz Primary Care Facility in La Paz, Abra; and Notre Dame De Chartres Hospital in Baguio City.

They can be contacted through their cellphone numbers 09657235561, 09171132184, 09852515968, 09985663421, 09526181099, 09082484487, and 09177085433, respectively.

These health facilities are equipped to provide not only medical care but also psychological support for persons living with HIV/AIDS and prevention measures for those who do not want to be infected.

The Department of Health – CAR, it its previous reports, revealed a concerning trend in HIV infections, with most patients being ages 15-34 years old.

Based on the data from the agency, there are a total of 1290 HIV cases in the region recorded from 1984 to the present. These included the 84 new cases in 2024 and 31 in the first two months of 2025.