
Representative photo of a blood test (Photo courtesy of Unsplash)
A local clinic assured the public of its uninterrupted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services amid the 90-day international aid stoppage order by United States President Donald Trump.
Trump recently ordered the stoppage of lifesaving drugs, including HIV medicines, to countries supported by the US Agency for International Development, a big blow to organizations reliant on foreign assistance.
In a statement on Thursday, 30 January, My Hub Cares, a sexual health clinic with branches in Pasig, Pasay, and Alabang, reaffirmed its commitment to providing life-saving treatments and care for all people living with HIV (PLHIV), as it assured that it remains fully equipped and resourced to continue its essential services without interruption.
"Our priority has always been and will always be the health and well-being of the community we serve," Dr. Joan Carlota Renieses, Chief of Clinics of My Hub Care, said.
"We want to reassure everyone that access to vital HIV treatment, preventive care, and support services will continue without disruption," Renienes added.
She further assured that the clinic has sufficient stocks of antiretroviral (ARV) medications procured through the Department of Health (DOH).
She also assured that My Hub Cares will continue to provide free services, including laboratory tests, medication delivery, unlimited teleconsultations, and in-clinic consultations.
Renieses also noted that the clinic has an ample supply of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) also sourced from the DOH and other key partners.
"Despite the challenges in international aid, My Hub Cares remains steadfast in its mission to provide accessible, high-quality HIV treatment, prevention, and care," Ico Johnson, vice president of My Hub Cares, continued.
"The organization encourages PLHIV and those at risk to continue seeking support they need with confidence."
For its part, while the HIV & AIDS Support House (HASH) recognized the feeling of worry and uncertainty many feel after hearing about the freeze on foreign aid from the US government, it assured that it will remain committed to providing free services like PrEP, e-PrEP, HIV testing, and information dissemination campaigns.
Based in Cubao, Quezon City, HASH is a non-profit organization with HIV programs on prevention, screening, and treatment assistance.
"We deeply empathize with the organizations and individuals affected by this pause," HASH said in a statement on Thursday.
"As a community, we stand together, hoping that after these 90 days, a fair and just resolution will come--not just for use, but for everyone who depends on these vital services," it added.
On Wednesday, 29 January, community organization LoveYourSelf Inc. announced it is temporarily pausing some of its free services, including the distribution of PrEP and HIV self-testing kits, after the announcement of the aid stoppage.