The Department of Health announced that Lenacapavir, an injectable medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is set to be made available in the Philippines.
Health Secretary Dr. Teodory “Ted” Herbosa shared in a broadcast on DZMM on Saturday that he was promised a supply of the medication by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Lenacapavir is a form of HIV treatment that may initially be administered orally through tablets prior to being given as a subcutaneous injection every six months, based on the U.S. government’s drug database.
Additionally, the drug is said to be long-acting and may remain in a person’s immune system for up to 12 months. The use of lenacapavir must also be partnered with the consumption of other medications.
This Valentine’s season, Herbosa reminded people to get tested as a precautionary measure prior to engaging in intimate activities, aside from just using contraceptives.
“It’s also very important to know your status ‘no before you engage other people, importante yan na nagpapa-test tayo lagi,” he explained.
The DOH secretary also declared that as of February 14, there are now a total of 338 DOH-designated HIV care facilities open in the country.
FDA-approved self-test kits are available through various civil society organizations in the country.
Herbosa later revealed that the Philippines has recorded one of the highest daily HIV case counts in the region and stressed the importance of seeking help as soon as possible to avoid complications.
“We’re one of the highest dito sa ASEAN region, 60 new cases a day, mostly very young men, so very important na mas mahinto natin,” he said.
“For people living with HIV, na-cucure na naman yan eh, you shouldn’t die basta na-treat ka early.”
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the country has seen a 550 percent increase in HIV-related cases from 2010 to 2024, with 29,600 new cases recorded.