DOH assures health services continuity amid US aid suspension

The Department of Health (DOH) assured Filipinos Thursday that health services will continue despite a temporary suspension of US foreign aid.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is working on multilateral arrangements with other countries to support the Philippines' universal healthcare system, while the DOH and PhilHealth benefit packages remain unaffected by the pause in US assistance.

US President Donald Trump's order for a 90-day review of aid allocation led to a 'stop-work' directive from the US State Department, halting foreign assistance including drug distribution for HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and medical supplies for newborns.

However, an Emergency Humanitarian Waiver signed by Secretary Marco Rubio allows people to continue accessing HIV treatment funded by the US across 55 countries, including the Philippines.

Concerns have been raised over funding for HIV testing and treatment programs in the Philippines as some organizations receive 'stop work' orders due to the freeze on foreign aid from the US.

Despite these challenges, LoveYourself Inc. and other organizations have assured that their core services will continue with support from the DOH and PhilHealth.

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed dismay over Trump's decision to withdraw from the organization, urging the US to reconsider its move due to potential health crises.