07/07/2026
OPEN LETTER TO THE HIV COMMUNITY IN THE PHILIPPINES
From the Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI)
To all People Living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV treatment hubs, community organizations, healthcare providers, advocates, partners, and the Filipino people:
The Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI) has received reports and concerns from people living with HIV, treatment hubs, and community-based organizations regarding the temporary delay in the delivery of certain antiretroviral (ARV) medicines in the Philippines.
We understand the concern and anxiety this situation has caused. For every Filipino living with HIV, uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy is not merely a medical necessity—it is essential to preserving health, improving quality of life, and preventing HIV transmission. We recognize the fears that any disruption in treatment may bring, and we stand in solidarity with our community during this time.
For more than two decades, PAFPI has been one of the country's leading advocates for equitable access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. Together with people living with HIV, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, legislators, and government agencies, we worked tirelessly to ensure that access to life-saving antiretroviral medicines became a national commitment.
PAFPI played a significant role in advocating for the institutionalization of free and lifelong access to antiretroviral treatment for every Filipino living with HIV. We also actively advocated for the inclusion of dedicated funding for HIV treatment in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) beginning in 2005, recognizing that treatment should never depend on one's ability to pay. This remains one of the most important milestones in the Philippine HIV response, and PAFPI remains steadfast in protecting this hard-earned achievement.
Because safeguarding treatment access has always been central to our mission, PAFPI immediately sought clarification from a senior official of the Department of Health (DOH) regarding the reported delay in ARV deliveries.
According to the Department of Health Program Official, the current delay is related to recent international supply chain disruptions associated with the conflict in the Middle East, including the Iran crisis. The DOH explained that these developments affected the manufacturer's ability to meet its scheduled delivery date, resulting in delays in the shipment of certain ARV medicines to the Philippines.
The Department of Health further informed PAFPI that:
• The delayed shipment is expected to arrive within the week.
• The Department continues to closely monitor the shipment and coordinate with the manufacturer and suppliers.
• Guidance has already been issued to HIV treatment hubs on how to manage the temporary shortage.
• Contingency measures have been put in place to help ensure that people living with HIV continue receiving appropriate treatment while awaiting the arrival of the new shipment.
Based on these assurances from the Department of Health, PAFPI encourages our community to remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic. While the temporary delay is understandably concerning, the DOH has assured us that it is actively addressing the situation and taking the necessary steps to minimize any interruption in treatment services.
We encourage all people living with HIV to remain in close communication with their respective treatment hubs and healthcare providers regarding their medication schedules and available treatment options during this temporary period.
PAFPI also wishes to recognize and thank the Department of Health, HIV treatment hubs, healthcare workers, community organizations, and volunteers who continue working tirelessly to ensure that people living with HIV receive the care and treatment they need despite these unforeseen challenges.
At the same time, PAFPI will continue to monitor the situation closely. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the Department of Health and all stakeholders while advocating for stronger procurement systems, resilient supply chains, and sustainable financing to ensure that similar disruptions are minimized in the future.
The right to uninterrupted treatment is a right that has been earned through years of advocacy, partnership, and the collective efforts of the HIV community. We remain vigilant in protecting that right.
To every Filipino living with HIV, please know that you are not alone. PAFPI remains committed to standing with you, advocating for you, and working tirelessly to ensure that every Filipino living with HIV continues to receive free, accessible, quality, and lifelong antiretroviral treatment.
Together, let us remain informed, united, and hopeful as we continue strengthening the country's HIV response.
Respectfully,
Joshua C.T. Formentera, Jr
Founder and Chair Emeritus
Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI)
Advocating for dignity, protecting rights, and ensuring lifelong access to HIV treatment for every Filipino.
