MANILA, Philipines – The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has partnered with Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) to bolster private sector efforts in providing stigma-free care and lifesaving HIV services in the Philippines, the US Embassy said in a press release on Wednesday, November 27.
Funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the partnership seeks to innovate, pilot, and scale HIV care and prevention strategies in the Philippines.
It emphasizes online health services and the direct delivery of essential medication such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a drug proven to prevent HIV transmission when used consistently.
The partnership underscores the United States’ commitment to private sector collaboration in combating HIV.
USAID and AC Health aim to ensure stigma-free access to vital services, support the global “U=U” message (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and foster a culture of understanding and compassion in healthcare.
At the launch, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson highlighted the significance of collective efforts.
“This agreement will harness the strengths of both public and private sectors to tackle the HIV epidemic. As partners in progress, the U.S. and the Philippines remain united in promoting compassionate and accessible healthcare,” Carlson said.
Through this partnership, AC Health will integrate its KonsultaMD telehealth platform, Generika Drugstore chain, and Healthway Medical Network into HIV care networks.
This approach will expand access to HIV prevention and awareness efforts in schools, workplaces, and other non-traditional healthcare settings.
Additionally, AC Health will increase the availability of lifesaving technologies, including PrEP, through their importation and distribution channels, IE Medica and MedEthix, and Generika Drugstore chains.
USAID will provide technical assistance, engage with communities, and train healthcare providers to strengthen HIV care delivery models.
It will also offer free HIV self-testing kits and enhance telehealth services via KonsultaMD.
Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of AC Health, reiterated the partnership’s impact: “Our mission is to make quality healthcare accessible to all Filipinos. With USAID’s support, our teams are empowered to bridge critical gaps in HIV prevention and testing, reaching underserved communities across the country.”
The partnership launched ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1, aligning with this year’s theme, “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.”
This theme emphasizes the importance of collaboration between governments, private companies, community organizations, and global partners to create an inclusive and effective HIV response.
Since 2020, USAID, through PEPFAR, has provided over Php2 billion ($34.7 million) to support the Philippines’ HIV response, solidifying its position as a leading bilateral donor in this life-saving mission.
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