Community-led nonprofit organization LoveYourself Inc. called on the government to support and strengthen Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) initiatives in the country following its announcement on the distribution of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines, July 15.
According to LoveYourself Inc., the arrival of the medicines signals a stronger and more reliable system that enables people living with HIV (PLHIV) to access essential commodities and treatment.
However, the group stressed that combating the HIV epidemic requires both expanded treatment access and stronger prevention efforts, urging the government to increase investments in programs such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV testing, HIV self-testing, and other evidence-based preventive services.
Following a successful quality inspection, the Department of Health (DOH) is set to release 455,188 bottles of Lamivudine+Tenofovir+Dolutegravir (LTD) for distribution after passing quality checks.
Serving as the first tranche of 1.2 million DOH-procured HIV commodities scheduled for delivery through September, the arrival aims to secure a continuous supply of treatment despite Middle East conflict-driven global shipping disruptions.
In its social media pages, the organization conveyed reassurance to PLHIV, stating that the medicines had arrived and would soon be available.
“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 wrote.
LoveYourself Inc. noted that strengthening the distribution chain would help prevent shortages and An allow treatment hubs to continue serving PLHIV.
“Umaasa kami na ito na ang simula ng mas matatag na procurement at distribution system para sa HIV commodities sa buong bansa,” the organization wrote in an Instagram post.
Further, it disclosed that it actively supports nearly 15,000 individuals under its treatment programs.
In response to concerns over the country’s shortage of HIV commodities, LoveYourself Inc. acknowledged the Office of the President’s prompt action on the issue and expressed appreciation to newly appointed Health Secretary Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. for responding swiftly.
“Excited kaming makatrabaho ang bagong kalihim ng kalusugan. Marami pa tayong kailangang gawin, pero marami rin tayong pwedeng makamit kung sama-sama tayong kikilos,” the group shared.
In its HIV Surveillance Report for the first quarter of 2026, the DOH revealed that the country recorded 4,633 new HIV cases, averaging 51 new cases per day.
