31/05/2026
๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐, ๐๐๐ญ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ข๐๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ค๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ญ๐ฌ
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) continues to make steady progress in its HIV response, recording gains in HIV diagnosis, treatment coverage, and viral suppression during the first quarter of 2026. These achievements reflect the region's sustained commitment to ending HIV as a public health threat and advancing toward the global 95-95-95 targets.
Based on current projections, an estimated 2,700 people living with HIV (PLHIV) are expected to be residing in the region by December 2026. As of March 2026, a total of 1,383 individuals have been diagnosed and are aware of their HIV status, representing 51% of the estimated PLHIV population in the region.
Among those diagnosed, 1,011 individuals are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), translating to 73% treatment coverage among persons who know their status. Meanwhile, 695 clients underwent viral load testing, of whom 681 achieved viral suppression, resulting in a viral suppression rate of 67% among those receiving treatment.
The region's current HIV cascade performance of 51%-73%-67% demonstrates significant progress in strengthening access to HIV services and improving treatment outcomes. These accomplishments are the result of the collective efforts and unwavering commitment of stakeholders across the Cordillera.
The achievements recorded during the first quarter of 2026 reflect the strong collaboration among Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), HIV Testing and Treatment Facilities, private sector partners, community-based organizations (CBOs), civil society organizations, healthcare workers, development partners, and advocates working tirelessly to expand access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care services. Through coordinated service delivery, policy support, community engagement, and client-centered interventions, these partners continue to strengthen the region's response to the HIV epidemic.
Despite these gains, the data also highlight a critical challenge. While 1,383 individuals have already been diagnosed, nearly half of the estimated PLHIV population in the region remains unaware of their HIV status. This underscores the urgent need to further intensify HIV testing initiatives, community outreach activities, and demand-generation strategies to identify individuals who may be living with HIV but have not yet accessed testing services.
Early diagnosis remains the gateway to treatment and long-term health outcomes. Individuals who know their status can immediately access life-saving antiretroviral therapy, significantly improve their quality of life, and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Likewise, sustained treatment adherence and regular viral load monitoring enable clients to achieve viral suppression, allowing them to live healthy and productive lives.
The Department of Health, through the National AIDS, STI Prevention and Control Program-Cordillera, calls on all individuals, particularly those with relatively higher exposure to HIV risk, to take advantage of free, confidential, and stigma-free HIV testing services available throughout the region. Communities, families, institutions, and workplaces are likewise encouraged to support efforts that promote HIV awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination, and foster an environment where individuals can confidently access HIV-related services.
As Cordillera continues its journey toward achieving the 95-95-95 targets, the participation of every sector remains essential. By strengthening partnerships, expanding access to services, and encouraging more individuals to know their status, the region can close existing gaps in the HIV care continuum and move closer to ending HIV as a public health threat.
Together, through shared responsibility and collective action, Cordillera can build a future where every person living with HIV is diagnosed, linked to treatment, and supported to achieve viral suppression.
