Manila, May 22 -- The Department of Health-Caraga (DOH-13) reported 60 new HIV cases in the first quarter of 2025, bringing the regional total to 2,004 as of March, up from 1,944 in January.

Agusan del Sur recorded the highest increase with 17 new cases (405 to 422), followed by Surigao del Norte (15 cases, 413 to 428) and Surigao del Sur (11 cases, 415 to 426).

Smaller increases occurred in Agusan del Norte (10 cases), Butuan City (6), and Dinagat Islands (1).

"The rise reflects increased testing participation," DOH-13 said in its Thursday report, which noted a slight decrease in case fatality rate from 7.15% to 7.14%.

The agency urged residents to utilize HIV hubs across the region, including facilities in Butuan City, Agusan del Su...