03/07/2026
Network of Positive Advocates of the Philippines (N+) Calls for Immediate Action to Ensure Continuous Access to Life-Saving HIV Medicines
Network of Positive Advocates of the Philippines (N+), a national network of organizations of PLHV-led across the Philippines, expresses its deep concern over the ongoing shortages of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines being experienced by many HIV treatment hubs nationwide.
Reports from communities indicate that several treatment hubs have been forced to dispense only 15-day supplies of ARVs instead of the standard three-month refill, while others have reported temporary stock shortages of specific regimens. These disruptions create unnecessary anxiety among people living with HIV and threaten adherence to treatment, viral suppression, and ultimately the country's gains in the HIV response.
We recognize that in January 28, 2026, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a memorandum encouraging treatment hubs to utilize their Out-Patient HIV and AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package funds to procure buffer stocks of ARVs while national procurement is being completed. This was a timely and practical measure intended to protect uninterrupted treatment for PLHIV.
In light of the current situation, N+ strongly calls on all HIV treatment hubs to maximize the use of their OHAT Package funds, consistent with existing DOH guidance, to procure buffer stocks of ARVs and ensure that no client experiences treatment interruption. The OHAT Package exists to support comprehensive HIV treatment services, and safeguarding continuous access to ARVs must remain its highest priority.
At the same time, we urge the Department of Health to undertake an immediate review of the country's ARV supply chain and procurement system. Delays in procurement and recurring medicine shortages are not new challenges. Similar supply concerns have affected HIV treatment services since 2014, highlighting the need for long-term, systemic improvements in forecasting, procurement planning, inventory management, and distribution. PLHIV deserve a supply system that is predictable, responsive, and resilient.
Access to treatment is not merely a programmatic concern—it is a matter of health, dignity, and human rights. Every interruption in treatment places individuals at risk of poorer health outcomes and undermines national efforts to achieve epidemic control.
Network Plus also calls upon local PLHIV support groups and community organizations to actively engage with their respective treatment hubs. We encourage communities to initiate constructive dialogue with facility management, monitor medicine availability, and advocate for the timely utilization of OHAT funds to secure adequate ARV buffer stocks. Community participation remains essential in ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsive HIV service delivery.
The HIV response has always been strongest when government, healthcare providers, and communities work together. We believe that the current challenges can be addressed through immediate action, transparent communication, and stronger collaboration at both national and local levels.
Network of Positive Advocates of the Philippines stands ready to work with the Department of Health, treatment hubs, local government units, development partners, and fellow civil society organizations to protect uninterrupted access to treatment for every Filipino living with HIV.
No one should miss a dose because of preventable shortages. Continuous access to ARVs saves lives, prevents HIV transmission, and strengthens the country's response to the HIV epidemic.
About Network of Positive Advocates of the Philippines (N+)
Network Plus (N+) is a national network of organizations led by and for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Philippines. N+ works to promote the rights, health, dignity, and meaningful participation of PLHIV through advocacy, community mobilization, capacity building, and policy engagement toward an equitable and people-centered HIV response.
