Supply of antiretroviral drugs for HIV adequate: DOH

FILE: In a dispatch, New York-based HRW noted that workers with HIV in the Philippines, which posted the fastest-growing HIV infection rate in the Asia-Pacific region, suffer workplace discrimination and often refused to seek redress. (Shutterstock Photo)

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) has assured there is enough treatment for Filipinos with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) amid rumors of anti-retroviral (ARV) drug shortage nationwide.

In a statement released on Friday, the DOH said it seriously takes the HIV issue that is why the department makes sure appropriate testing and treatment are available and accessible to those who are diagnosed with HIV.

”As of October 2018, we have enrolled 32, 224 persons living with HIV (PLHIVs) for treatment with ARV drugs such as Nevirapine, Lamivudine or Tenofovir,” the DOH said, adding that it has been providing free ARV drugs to PLHIV through the HIV treatment hubs.

The DOH said there are 3,200 PLHIVs who are on Nevirapine and 1,791 PLHIV on Lamivudine or Tenofovir as of December 2018.

To meet the need for Nevirapine for February to April 2019, the DOH said their data confirms there is enough supply of the drug has been delivered on January 4.

A month’s supply for Lamivudine or Tenofovir has also been delivered to Regions I (Ilocos Region), VI (Western Visayas) and XI (Davao Region).

“The rest of the regions will expect deliveries within the week. We are working very closely with our suppliers to ensure that there are no gaps in our supply chain,” the DOH said.

The DOH is still waiting for the delivery of 12,375 bottles of Nevirapine, equivalent to three months’ supply; and 7,024 bottles of Lamivudine or Tenofovir, which are enough for two months’ use.