US aid freeze impacts HIV programs in PH

The US government's temporary freeze on foreign aid is threatening efforts to curb the HIV epidemic in the Philippines, a nation with one of the world's fastest-growing epidemics.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a pause on the release of fresh funds pending a 90-day review of US foreign aid.

Philippine HIV advocacy group LoveYourself Inc. stated that the freeze impacts its crucial programs and staff, though essential services like HIV testing and treatment remain unaffected.

However, the delivery of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and self-testing kits, previously free, will now incur a fee due to the shift in US policy.

LGBTQ+ rights group Bahaghari decried the impact of the freeze on social services, especially those linked to sexual health, and urged the Philippine government to be less dependent on US funding.

Bahaghari Chairwoman Reyna Valmores Salinas noted that affected organizations worldwide are suffering from mass layoffs after an 'overnight collapse of support'.

LoveYourself Inc. emphasized the critical urgency of these services, stating that any delay negatively affects individuals, families, and their futures.