The recent announcement of a US foreign aid freeze has raised concerns globally, but the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) assures the public that HIV/AIDS services remain largely unaffected. While acknowledging the helpful contribution of foreign funding, the DOH emphasizes its robust domestic funding as the primary source for HIV/AIDS programs.
Key Points:
● Minimal Disruption: Health Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo confirmed that ongoing operations, service delivery, and product provision for HIV/AIDS are not significantly impacted due to existing DOH funds. Secretary Ted Herbosa further highlighted the Philippines’ ability to seek alternative funding sources.
● Funding Breakdown: Domingo clarified that while the Global Fund and USAID contribute P830 million to the P7.74 billion budget for health services in 2025, the DOH’s internal funding accounts for the lion’s share at P6.2 billion. This demonstrates a strong commitment to combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic domestically.
● Alarming Statistics: Despite the financial assurance, the DOH’s epidemiology bureau reported a concerning trend: 58 new HIV cases daily in the second quarter of 2024, projecting an estimated 215,400 people living with HIV by year’s end. This underscores the ongoing need for sustained efforts in prevention, treatment, and support.
● DOH’s Role: The DOH continues to provide crucial HIV treatment and detection tools through its network of clinics. The minimal impact of the aid freeze highlights the importance of strong domestic health systems and resource allocation in addressing public health crises.
