HEALTH Secretary Edwin Mercado and Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown discussed the possible use of pooled procurement for HIV medicines and medical supplies, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
In a statement on Thursday, the DOH said the strategy aims to ensure an efficient supply chain and stockpiling of medical commodities and medicines for HIV.
Australia supports regional HIV initiatives through its partnership with UNAIDS and Health Equity Matters, which includes the Philippines, and focuses on strengthening HIV responses and sustaining access to essential services.
Mercado also discussed the administration’s health priorities under the Unified National Agenda for Health, including bringing Yakap (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) to schools, workplaces and local communities.
The two officials also discussed efforts to finalize and sign a bilateral memorandum of understanding on health cooperation.
Australia also provides capacity-building programs for health workers in the Philippines, according to the DOH.
The DOH Epidemiology Bureau recorded 2,994 newly confirmed HIV cases nationwide from April to June 2026, averaging 33 cases per day, according to its second-quarter HIV and AIDS Surveillance of the Philippines report.
