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Friday, March 29, 2024

PH receives anti-HIV drugs from US

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The United States government has donated 20,000 bottles of HIV prevention drugs or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to the Philippines’ Department of Health.

The donation  was made by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) last June 25, which coincided with the formal launch of the P500 million ($10.3 million) US Agency for International Development -PEPFAR program in the Philippines.

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to support the country in its journey to ending AIDS by 2030 through evidence-based strategies like DOH’s PrEP program.

“This first tranche of HIV prevention drugs is an initial step toward achieving the country’s goal of ending AIDS,” Law said, in a statement released by the US Embassy in Manila.

“We have a long road ahead of us, and the journey will not be easy, but the U.S. government shares your vision and is committed to

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standing by your side as a partner in realizing an AIDS-free Philippines,” he added.

With the anticipated rise in HIV infections as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced access to and uptake of HIV testing and treatment services, “PrEP is a much-needed addition to the HIV prevention arsenal in the Philippines,” the US diplomat stressed.

Through the PEPFAR program, USAID will complement the DOH’s work in HIV toward sustainable financing, efficient procurement and supply chain management, and evidence-based, client-centered care.  

USAID will also work with DOH on building systems to ensure the steady supply of drugs and commodities.

DOH welcomed the US support to the Philippines’ campaign against HIV and other sexuality transmitted diseases.

“We know that the use of PrEP works effectively to prevent HIV transmission and including this in our coordinated HIV response will spell the difference in our fight against HIV,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

With almost 50 facilities across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) ready to provide free PrEP, USAID-PEPFAR will reach over 3,500 clients from key populations with HIV prevention drugs over two years.

This PEPFAR support for HIV prevention drugs is part of the U.S. government commitment of more than Php875 million ($18.2 million) over two years for U.S.-Philippines bilateral HIV prevention and control efforts, with implementation by USAID, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, and the U.S. Department of Defense

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