HIV advocacy group ensures ‘continued services’ amid US funding freeze

Local

THE U.S. government's suspension of foreign aid has disrupted global health programs, but a local group advocating for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and treatment reassures the public that it will continue its critical services.

LoveYourself, Inc. has confirmed that it will maintain HIV testing, treatment, and healthcare services for trans individuals despite the financial challenges caused by the funding freeze.

The organization operates two hubs in Cebu, one on Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City and another in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City.

In two statements issued on Wednesday, January 29, the group clarified that while a stop-work order affects certain innovations, core services remain intact.

The organization acknowledged the financial challenges affecting key initiatives such as Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), self-testing kits, and awareness campaigns, noting that many staff members supported by U.S. funding are directly impacted.

PrEP is a daily medication that reduces the risk of HIV infection by up to 99 percent when taken consistently. It contains antiretroviral drugs that prevent the virus from establishing an infection.

Following President Donald Trump’s decision to order a 90-day suspension of U.S. foreign aid, new funding for initiatives under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was halted.

This will affect organizations globally that rely on PEPFAR support for free HIV prevention and treatment services.

“The stop work order does affect key innovations we’ve worked hard to deliver, including free PrEP, self-testing kits, and campaigns aimed at increasing awareness and scaling up life-saving services," the group said.

The organization also acknowledged the impact on staff, saying, “This also impacts many of our staff working on these programs, who are the heart and soul of our innovations.”

Despite the funding freeze, LoveYourself emphasized that all essential services, including HIV testing, treatment, TransHealth, PrEP, and SelfCare (self-test kits), remain operational.

However, while PrEP and self-test kits are still available, their delivery will now incur a fee.

LoveYourself assured the public that it is actively working to support affected staff and exploring alternative solutions to resume free delivery services as soon as possible.

The organization also called on the Philippine government to collaborate with civil society organizations, stating that joint efforts can scale up programs, foster innovation, and address gaps left by international funding uncertainties.

In addition, LoveYourself highlighted LuxeCare, its social enterprise model, as a crucial part of its long-term strategy to sustain operations. LuxeCare is designed to enhance services in sexual health, wellness, aesthetics, and diagnostics.

Aside from its two hubs in Cebu, LoveYourself, Inc. also operates in Mandaluyong City, Manila, North Caloocan, Bacolod City, Muntinlupa, Baguio City, and Davao City.

In an earlier report, it said that between July and September 2024, Central Visayas saw 370 new HIV cases, raising the total to 11,285 since 1984, accounting for 8 percent of the country’s total.

Young adults aged 25 to 34 make up 47 percent of new infections nationwide, followed by individuals aged 15 to 24 at 32 percent.

This highlights the need for intensified education and prevention, particularly in Cebu, a key hub for HIV advocacy.

Nationally, 4,595 new HIV cases were reported during the same period, bringing the total to 139,662 since 1984, with an average of 50 new infections daily.(MyTVCebu)