United States, AC Health Launch Partnership to Expand HIV Services in the Philippines

On November 26, the United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a partnership with Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) to strengthen the private sector’s role in making stigma-free care and lifesaving HIV services more accessible in the Philippines, which has one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in Asia.

Supported by funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the partnership will develop, test, and scale approaches to improving and expanding HIV care and prevention services in the Philippines, with a special focus on online health services and the direct delivery of critical medication such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—a drug that, when taken as scheduled, prevents the transmission of HIV.

J. Amado Araneta Foundation Recognized wins top nod from USAID

Araneta Group’s social development arm named Most Supportive Private Sector Partner by USAID

The J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) was named the Most Supportive Private Sector Partner during the Gabi ng Parangal sa Pagpupunyagi at Pag-alpas, an awards ceremony by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Opportunity 2.0, held on November 13, 2024, at Novotel Manila Araneta City. 

The foundation received the honor for its commitment to empowering out-of-school youth through innovative programs and partnerships, which also contribute to business growth and innovation.

"This recognition shows the power of collaboration,” Diane Romero, JAAF Executive Director said “We firmly believe that the young people we engage through this program are not merely potential employees; rather, they represent the future innovators and contributors who will drive our economy forward. By investing in their potential, we are fostering a generation of leaders who will shape the future." 

MPOX 101: EpiC Philippines tells all you need to know

Mpox is a viral infection that is currently on everyone’s radar. Should we be concerned? Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control project (EpiC) Philippines, a project funded by USAID and PEPFAR and led by FHI360, presents everything the public, especially people living with HIV (PLHIV), needs to know about this disease.

What is mpox?

Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. According to the World Health Organization, mpox causes symptoms that are similar to smallpox. The key difference between the two infections is that mpox causes swelling of the lymph nodes. The most common symptoms of mpox include a rash with blisters on the face, hands, feet, or even the genitals, fever, headaches, muscle pain, back aches, and fatigue.