No shortage in HIV meds, DOH claims

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) has denied the reported shortage of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for HIV, saying in November 2018 alone, a total of 685 individuals availed themselves of the free medicine.

In a statement, the DOH said it takes the issue of HIV infection in the country “seriously” and that it has “taken great steps to ensure that HIV testing is available and accessible to those who are at risk.”  

The DOH said it also made sure that treatment is available for those who are diagnosed with HIV.

The health department made the statement in reaction to a Twitter post about the shortage of ART, particularly Nevirapine, in a treatment hub.  

ART is a concoction of drugs that suppresses HIV and keeps it from progressing into AIDS and prevents onward transmission of the disease. 

Based on DOH data, out of the 945 new cases of HIV/AIDS recorded in November 2018, a total of 685 were given ART. This brings to 32,909 the number of ART patients out of the 61,152 cases recorded since January 1984.