The United States government donated on Friday a total of 20,000 bottles of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention drugs or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to the Department of Health (DOH).

The handover ceremony held at the Executive Lounge of the Quezon City Hall coincided with the formal launch of the PHP500 million (USD10.3 million) USAID-President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program in the Philippines.

At the event, US Embassy Chargé d’ Affaires John Law said the US government is committed to supporting the country in its journey to end AIDS by 2030 through evidence-based strategies, including the 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. “We have a long road ahead of us, and the journey will not be easy, but the US government shares your vision and is committed to standing by your side as a partner in realizing an AIDS-free Philippines.”

The US Embassy said a rise in HIV infections is anticipated as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has reduced access to and uptake of HIV testing and treatment services,

For Law, these PrEP donation is a much-needed addition to the HIV prevention arsenal in the Philippines.

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 a steady supply of drugs and commodities.

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, who welcomed the latest US aid, said: “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.”

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 people from key populations with HIV prevention drugs over two years.

The Embassy said this PEPFAR support for HIV prevention drugs is part of the US government commitment of more than PHP875 million (USD18.2 million) for the US-Philippines bilateral HIV prevention and control efforts, with implementation by USAID, US Centers for Disease Control, US Health Resources and Services Administration, and the US Department of Defense. (PNA)