DOH says HIV drug supply remains sufficient

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said it has completed the procurement process for approximately 1.2 million bottles of Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) to maintain the treatment supply for people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) nationwide.

The DOH made the statement following LoveYourself Inc.’s advisory noting that antiretroviral (ARV) refills will be limited to a two-week supply due to delays in the replenishment of ARV stocks through the DOH’s national supply chain.

LoveYourself Inc. is a non-government organization that operates several clinics in the National Capital Region. It also works with treatment hubs nationwide to help clients access HIV-related healthcare.

The procurement contract for 1,164,879 bottles of TLD—the country’s recommended first-line ARV regimen for HIV treatment—was awarded to PhilPharmawealth on March 23, 2026, the DOH said.

The acquired volume is sufficient to support an estimated 97,000 PLHIV across the country, it added.

Under the initial agreement, the first tranche consisting of 600,000 bottles was scheduled for delivery last May 23.

However, the supplier requested an extension of the delivery timeline, citing the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

PhilPharmawealth’s latest commitment adjusts the schedule to deliver a partial tranche of 455,217 bottles by July 5.

The agency said it has already prepared the allocation list for the incoming shipment.

“The DOH continues to closely monitor the supplier’s compliance. We will take all necessary actions to protect public health and safeguard the uninterrupted availability of life-saving HIV medicines,” it added.

As an interim measure to avoid potential service gaps, the DOH noted that TLD remains available through wholesale channels via various other local suppliers.

Treatment facilities may also utilize the PhilHealth Outpatient HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Treatment benefit package, which allocates a specific amount per patient that clinics can use to independently procure ARVs while waiting for the national distribution. (PNA)