People living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Philippines received encouraging news after LoveYourself Inc., a non-government organization, announced the arrival of long-awaited antiretroviral (ARV) medicines. The organization described the development as a significant step toward ensuring uninterrupted HIV treatment for thousands of Filipinos who depend on life-saving HIV medication.
The arrival of the ARV medicines addresses concerns over HIV medicine availability and reinforces ongoing efforts to strengthen HIV treatment services in the country.
“Para sa ating mga PLHIV: huwag na kayong mag-alala. Dumating na ang mga gamot. Bukod dito, patuloy din naming ginamit ang mga nauna naming na-procure na suplay upang masigurong walang mapuputulan ng treatment habang hinihintay natin ang pagdating ng mga bagong stocks,” the group announced on its social media pages.
LoveYourself Calls for Stronger HIV Procurement and Distribution System
LoveYourself said it hopes the arrival of the ARV medicines marks the beginning of a stronger and more reliable procurement and distribution system for HIV commodities across the Philippines.
“Umaasa kami na ito na ang simula ng mas matatag na procurement at distribution system para sa HIV commodities sa buong bansa,” it said.
The organization added that strengthening the country’s HIV supply chain remains essential to prevent future shortages of HIV medicines and to ensure that treatment hubs serving the largest number of clients receive adequate and timely supplies of antiretroviral medicines.
“Sana ay patuloy nating mapabuti ang supply chain at mabigyang prayoridad ang mga hubs na may pinakamalaking bilang ng mga kliyenteng nangangailangan ng serbisyo. Sa LoveYourself pa lamang, halos 15,000 na ang aming mga kliyenteng kasalukuyang nasa treatment,” the group added.
The statement underscores the importance of maintaining a reliable supply of HIV commodities to support continuous treatment for people living with HIV, particularly at high-volume treatment hubs.
Organization Highlights Importance of HIV Prevention Alongside Treatment
While welcoming the arrival of the ARV medicines, LoveYourself emphasized that addressing the country’s HIV epidemic requires efforts beyond treatment alone.
The organization urged the government to continue investing in HIV prevention programs by expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV testing, HIV self-testing, and other evidence-based preventive services.
According to LoveYourself, strengthening prevention initiatives alongside treatment programs is necessary in responding to the needs of the HIV community and ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services.
LoveYourself Thanks President Marcos and DOH Secretary Brix Pujalte
LoveYourself also expressed its gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for responding to the organization’s appeals regarding the shortage of HIV commodities.
“Nais muna naming magpasalamat sa Office of the President sa pakikinig at pag-aksyon sa mga liham at apelang aming ipinadala hinggil sa kakulangan ng HIV commodities sa bansa,” it said.
The organization likewise thanked newly appointed Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Jose S. “Brix” Pujalte Jr. for acting swiftly to address the issue during the early days of his tenure.
“Maraming salamat din kay DOH Secretary Dr. Brix Pujalte sa mabilis na pag- aksyon sa usaping ito. Nakakaengganyo makita na sa mga unang araw pa lamang ng kanyang panunungkulan ay may agarang pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng ating HIV community,” it added.
LoveYourself said the prompt response from the government provides hope for the HIV community and demonstrates the importance of coordinated action in addressing challenges involving HIV commodities and treatment access.
The organization also expressed optimism about working with the new leadership of the Department of Health, saying that although significant challenges remain, meaningful progress can be achieved through continued collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and the HIV community.
“Excited kaming makatrabaho ang bagong kalihim ng kalusugan. Marami pa tayong kailangang gawin, pero marami rin tayong pwedeng makamit kung sama-sama tayong kikilos,” it said.
The arrival of the long-awaited ARV medicines represents an important development for people living with HIV who rely on uninterrupted treatment. LoveYourself emphasized that maintaining a stronger procurement and distribution system, improving the HIV supply chain, supporting HIV prevention initiatives, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders remain essential in ensuring that Filipinos living with HIV continue receiving timely access to life-saving medicines and healthcare services.
