DOH: ‘Access for HIV treatments are available’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has assured people afflicted with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that government has enough supply of anti-retroviral drugs (ARV). 

It also said government has been providing free ARV to Filipinos with HIV through their HIV treatment hubs.

“We have taken great steps to ensure that access for HIV treatments are available for those who are diagnosed with HIV,” DOH said in a statement issued January 10 but posted Friday on Twitter.

According to DOH, it has accommodated 32,224 persons with HIV for treatment with ARV drugs such as Nevirapine, Lamivudine/Tenofovir as of October 2018.

Meanwhile, 3,200 registered persons living with HIV (PLHIV) are taking Nevirapine as 1,791 are on Lamivudine/Tenofovir as of December 2018, it added.

As of January 4, Nevirapine has been delivered to 16 treatment hubs to meet requirements for February to April 2019, DOH noted.

A month’s supply of Lamivudine/Tenofovir has also been delivered to Regions X, VI, I while the rest of the regions will expect deliveries within the week, the health agency further said.

“We are working closely with our suppliers to ensure that there are no gaps in our supply chain. In fact, we are waiting for deliveries of an additional 12,375 bottles for Nevirapine good for another three months and 7,024 bottles of Lamivudine/Tenofovir good for another two months,” DOH said. /kga