U.S. aid for LGBTQ+ organizations in the Philippines under scrutiny

The Department of Health in the Philippines continues to deliver essential health services and expand PhilHealth benefit packages, despite the ongoing challenges. Meanwhile, globally, new HIV infections have decreased by 39% during the same period.

In 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) approved an obligation of $6.68 million for HIV epidemic control in the Philippines. However, a suspension of USAID funding has affected several HIV response initiatives in the country.

The Transmasculine Philippines' Tanggap Trans Hub, for instance, had to close due to the suspension, halting at least 20 events, including workshops on employment equity, medical transitioning, and the legal rights of LGBTQ+ couples. LoveYourself, a Philippines-based HIV testing and treatment group, kept 40 of its staff members during a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance. Unfortunately, 10 of its partner clinics for HIV testing and treatment had to close.

Despite these challenges, LoveYourself's doors remained open, and the organization continues to distribute free HIV testing kits and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PREP) to clients nationwide. However, the suspension of USAID funding has affected the delivery of about 8,000 HIV testing kits and PREP per month.

The Philippine government is seeking domestic financing to address a funding gap in HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis programs. The Department of Health plans to mobilize reimbursements by the national health insurance program (PhilHealth) and secure grants, loans, and investments from local governments and the private sector.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the need for governments, including the Philippine government, to take more responsibility for financing to lessen dependence on international funding cycles and external decisions. He noted that the decline in foreign fund allocations may pose challenges in buying essential commodities such as antiretroviral therapy.

The Philippines is experiencing a rapidly growing HIV epidemic, with a 543% increase in new HIV infections between 2010 and 2023. The Philippine HIV epidemic is primarily driven by sexual transmission among men who have sex with men and transgender women.

Alea, from LoveYourself, suggested that the USAID suspension could be a chance to rethink how advocacy groups and the government can work together to deliver life-saving services. In a perfect world, according to Alea, advocacy groups wouldn't need to depend on international funding. The Philippine government is aiming to reopen the Trans Hub by acquiring funding from countries in the Asia and Pacific region or in Europe.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has donated about $50 million to the Philippines' HIV response since 2020. USAID has contributed over $34.7 million to support the Philippines' HIV response since 2020.

Despite the challenges, the fight against HIV in the Philippines continues, with the Department of Health, LoveYourself, and other organizations working tirelessly to provide essential services and support to those affected by the disease.