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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider Ayala, USAID lead PH private sector vs. HIV

Ayala, USAID lead PH private sector vs. HIV

Published Dec 4, 2024 05:04 am

Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health), a member of the Zobel-led Ayala Group, is leading the private sector’s efforts to fight the HIV epidemic in the Philippines through a partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

In a statement, the country’s oldest conglomerate said AC Health and USAID are improving access to stigma-free care and lifesaving services.

The partnership was sealed in time for World AIDS Day, whose theme “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress,” underscores the importance of collaboration to overcome this health challenge.

AC Health will leverage its unique ecosystem to develop, test, and scale approaches to improving and expanding HIV care and prevention services in the Philippines. 

It will onboard qualified health service providers on the KonsultaMD platform and expand HIV awareness and screening services beyond health facilities. 

The firm will also import essential medicines and other lifesaving technologies through units IE Medica and MedEthix and make these commercially available through Generika Drugstore.

An important ally in the Philippines’ fight against HIV, 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.

"Our mission at AC Health is to make quality and affordable healthcare accessible to more Filipinos,” said AC Health Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

He noted that “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."

“This collaboration brings us closer to bridging gaps in HIV prevention and testing, ensuring these critical services reach more communities nationwide,” he added.

The partnership is a key initiative to support the Philippines in addressing one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in Southeast Asia. AC Health’s participation also highlights its growing role in responding to public health challenges in the country.

AC Health, in partnership with Publicis Groupe Philippines and the People Management Association of the Philippines, is also leading the "Working with Cancer Pledge" in the country. 

This initiative is a global movement to raise awareness and support for people struggling with cancer in the workplace. Since its launch in 2023, hundreds of companies globally have been transformed into inclusive workplaces for employees dealing with cancer. 

Related Tags

United States Agency for International Development Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. Fernando Zobel de Ayala
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