U.S. aid for Philippines' LGBTQ+ organizations under discussion

The Department of Health in the Philippines assures the public that health services and the expansion of PhilHealth benefit packages continue unimpeded, despite recent funding challenges. However, the halt in funding by USAID has impacted several initiatives aimed at addressing the country's growing HIV epidemic.

USAID, a key contributor to the Philippines' HIV response, approved an obligation of $6.68 million for HIV epidemic control in 2024. Since 2020, USAID has contributed over $34.7 million to support the country's HIV response. Organisations such as Transmasculine Philippines and LoveYourself, which provide essential services for HIV testing, treatment, and education, have been affected by this funding halt.

Transmasculine Philippines, an education and peer-support network for transgender individuals, had its funding stopped just two months after launching a community center. As a result, the Trans Hub, operated by Transmasculine Philippines, has been closed due to lack of funds. LoveYourself's partner clinics for HIV testing and treatment have also had to close down.

LoveYourself's founder, Dr Ronivin Pagtakhan, attributes the group's resilience to its self-sustaining model and government partnerships. However, the group was forced to keep only 40 of its staff members during a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance.

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

In response to the funding challenges, the Philippine government is looking for domestic financing to address the funding gap in HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis programs. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that governments, including the Philippine government, must take more responsibility for financing to lessen dependence on international funding cycles and external decisions and protocols.

The government plans to mobilize reimbursements by the national health insurance program PhilHealth, secure grants, loans, and investments from local governments, and the private sector. Alea, from Transmasculine Philippines, views the USAID suspension as an opportunity to rethink how advocacy groups and the government can work together to deliver life-saving services. The group is seeking funding from countries in the Asia and Pacific region, Europe, benefit concerts, and book fairs.

In a perfect world, according to Alea, advocacy groups wouldn't need to depend on international funding. After the cessation of funding by the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2024, international organizations like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and private sector partners such as Gilead Sciences are stepping in to support HIV prevention and treatment efforts in countries including the Philippines. This transition towards country-owned sustainable health systems aims to sustain progress and lessen dependence on external funding.

The Department of Health in the Philippines did not specify how much money has been allocated for HIV programs this year or how much will be covered by foreign aid. The challenges in buying essential commodities such as antiretroviral therapy due to a decline in foreign fund allocations are a cause for concern.

The global response to health crises, such as the HIV epidemic in the Philippines, reflects a broader effort towards health governance beyond donor dependency. Initiatives by the African Union and other global organizations aim to support countries in their transition towards sustainable health systems.