#HIV Care #Philippines #Manila #USAID #AC Health

AC Health Tackles HIV Epidemic in the Philippines

In a significant move to combat the HIV epidemic in the Philippines, Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc., known as AC Health, has partnered with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This collaboration is aimed at enhancing access to comprehensive, stigma-free healthcare services for individuals affected by HIV. Announced to coincide with World AIDS Day, this initiative underscores the importance of collective action toward sustaining and accelerating progress against HIV.

The partnership is set to unfold under AC Health’s strategic leadership within the private healthcare sector, focusing particularly on improving healthcare access in various communities across the Philippines. This effort aligns with the theme 'Collective Action Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress,' emphasizing the need for collaborative approaches in overcoming public health challenges.

AC Health will utilize its extensive healthcare ecosystem to implement innovative strategies. These include onboarding qualified healthcare providers onto the KonsultaMD platform and expanding HIV awareness and screening services beyond traditional healthcare facilities. The initiative also involves the importation of essential medicines and technology through subsidiaries like IE Medica and MedEthix, making life-saving drugs readily available at Generika Drugstore locations.

USAID will play a crucial role in this partnership by facilitating community engagement, providing technical support to Healthway Medical Network, and introducing effective private sector models to improve HIV service delivery. Furthermore, they will focus on training healthcare providers, expanding telehealth accessibility through KonsultaMD, and coordinating with partners to distribute free HIV self-testing kits.

Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of AC Health, stated, "Our mission is to ensure that quality and affordable healthcare reaches more Filipinos. Our collaboration with USAID enables us to train specialized teams at Healthway Medical Network, KonsultaMD, and Generika Drugstore, ensuring these vital services are accessible to at-risk populations."

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the partnership aims to address what is noted as one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in Southeast Asia. By fostering accessibility and awareness, AC Health is positioning itself as a key player in the national public health response.

In addition to HIV care initiatives, AC Health is committed to broader health challenges, evidenced by their leadership in the 'Working with Cancer Pledge' initiative alongside Publicis Groupe Philippines and the People Management Association of the Philippines. This pledge aims at creating supportive workplace environments for employees battling cancer, thus fostering inclusion and compassion.

AC Health, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corporation, is dedicated to providing every Filipino with accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services. Its comprehensive healthcare model includes various facets: Generika Drugstore, a front-runner in the generic pharmacy sector; St. Joseph Drug, a well-respected retail chain in North Luzon; as well as IE Medica and MedEthix, significant importers and distributors of pharmaceuticals. The diverse ecosystem also features Healthway Medical Network, a collection of multi-specialty clinics and hospitals, and KonsultaMD, a digital healthcare app for online consultations and treatment bookings.

Through their focused pillars of pharmaceuticals, clinical services, and digital health, AC Health is crafting a holistic healthcare approach tailored for the Filipino populace. This undertaking not only strengthens their position in the healthcare landscape but also signifies a pivotal step toward addressing urgent health crises faced by many citizens.

Conclusion

The partnership between AC Health and USAID marks a critical development in improving HIV care in the Philippines. It showcases a commitment to enhancing service delivery and accessibility amid rising HIV challenges while also making strides in other healthcare areas. Such initiatives promise to reshape the national conversation around public health and underscore the necessity of collective action in addressing critical issues.