By Janieca Edejer — UB Intern
BAGUIO CITY — A total of 1,290 cases of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been recorded in Cordillera since 1984 until now.
Darwin Babon, Development Management Officer III of the Center for Health Development –
The department aims to discuss the current status of HIV cases in the region and steps being taken to improve the HIV care cascade in the provinces of Cordillera.
According to Babon, from the total cases in the region, Baguio City has the most cases with 731 (56.6%), followed by Benguet (189) and Abra (182).
By 2025, the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the region is estimated to reach 2,400, however, 1,164 of them have not yet been identified or diagnosed.
Of the confirmed cases, 1,236 have been diagnosed (52%), but only 888 are actively enrolled in treatment (72% of those diagnosed), and 552 of them are virally suppressed (62%).
The data shows that a large percentage of new HIV cases are among youth and young adults.
According to the data, 48.29% of cases are from the age group of 25-34, while 28.92% are from the age group of 15-24.
Correspondingly, three out of every ten cases are youth aged 15-24, while one out of two cases are in the age group of 25-34. The median age of HIV cases in the region is 28 years old.
In the past two months of 2025, eight cases were recorded from the age group 15-24, proof that the youth sector continues to be at risk from the spread of the disease.
It also emerged that men still account for the majority of HIV cases in the region, with 1,198 cases (92.85%) compared to 92 cases (7.15%) among women and most of these cases are from biological males who have sex with men and transgender women.
He also emphasized the stigma and discrimination that PLHIV continue to experience.
According to Babon, it is important to promote comprehensive education, gender sensitivity, and confidentiality to encourage more people to get tested and receive treatment.
DOH-CAR called on the public to join in the activities that will be conducted this month as part of the AIDS Candlelight Memorial, in recognition of those who lost their lives and in continuing the fight against HIV.
