ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government convened health experts, policymakers and Islamic scholars on Wednesday to a forum aimed at finding solutions to combat the surge in the rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the region. 

BARMM-Ministry of Health (MoH) Minister Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding said yesterday that the high-level strategic planning meeting sought to strengthen prevention, reduce stigma and foster a unified response to the growing HIV crisis in BARMM.

 Sinolinding pledged to finalize a comprehensive HIV Strategic Plan, which incorporates insights from the meeting. This plan includes integrating religious guidance into public health campaigns, ensuring messages align with cultural and ethical values.

 During the meeting, healthcare workers, program coordinators and religious leaders, signaling a multi-sectoral commitment to the cause, were in attendance.

 The event marked a historic step toward inclusive, care-supportive and effective HIV governance in the Bangsamoro region.

 Sinolinding said the region’s rising rates of HIV, particularly among high-risk groups, require urgent action, especially in addressing the gaps in accessibility to hospitals with HIV-testing equipment for diagnosis and awareness of HIV.

 Based on the MoH’s latest data, the Bangsamoro region has recorded a total of 565 HIV cases in 2025.

 Sheikh Mohammad Pangca of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ (BDI) highlighted how Islamic principles can promote empathy and combat discrimination against HIV-positive individuals.

 “Islam teaches compassion, not judgment,” Sheikh Pangca said.

 “We must educate our communities that HIV is a medical condition — not a sin — and that support, not stigma, is our duty,” he added.

 According to the Department of Health (DoH), HIV is a virus that causes profound immunodeficiency, or the weakening of the immune system.

 “The virus destroys certain white blood cells that are responsible for immunity and protecting the body against disease,” DoH explained.