Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a drug that is taken to prevent transmission of HIV, may soon become more accessible to the public as the United States ramped up its efforts to help the Philippines address increasing HIV cases in the country.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) on Tuesday, Nov. 26, signed an agreement that will bolster both sides' efforts to fight HIV epidemic in the country.
USAID tapped AC Health so it could integrate its ecosystem—the KonsultaMD telehealth application, Generika Drugstore chain, and Healthway Medical Network—into local HIV networks.
Under the partnership, AC Health will increase the commercial availability of PrEP and other lifesaving technologies through their importation and distribution channels, such as IE Medica and MedEthix, and their Generika Drugstore chains.
Currently, PrEP can only be gotten at local HIV clinics across the country upon consultation from HIV counsellors and health practitioners.
AC Health will also onboard qualified health service providers on the KonsultaMD platform, expand HIV awareness and screening services beyond health facilities, such as in schools and workplaces.
Meanwhile, USAID will support community engagement, provide technical assistance to Healthway Medical Network, and introduce private sector models for HIV service delivery.
USAID will also train healthcare providers, share research, expand telehealth access through KonsultaMD, and coordinate with partners to provide free HIV self-testing kits.
Such efforts will bring "game-changing HIV-prevention solutions to more people," especially those at risk of contracting the virus as well as people living with HIV, according to the US Embassy in Manila.
US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson, who witnessed the signing of the agreement on Tuesday, Nov. 26, said the deal "will leverage the power of collaboration and the resources and skills of the private sector to address the HIV epidemic.
"As your partner in prosperity, the United States remains committed to working together for a future rooted in compassion, understanding, and improved access to healthcare for all," she said.
AC Health chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala said that the group's mission is "to make quality and affordable healthcare accessible to more Filipinos."
"Through our partnership with USAID, our dedicated teams at Healthway Medical Network, KonsultaMD and Generika Drugstore have been equipped with specialized training to serve key populations affected by HIV," he said.
"This collaboration brings us closer to bridging gaps in HIV prevention and testing, ensuring these critical services reach more communities nationwide," he added.
USAID and AC Health launched their partnership ahead of World AIDS day on Dec. 1.
Since 2020, USAID has contributed more than P2 billion ($34.7 million) to support the Philippines’ HIV response, making it one of the largest bilateral donors in this critical fight to save and improve lives.