LoveYourself
 | |
| Abbreviation | LY |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2011 |
| Founder | Ronivin Garcia Pagtakhan |
Region served | Philippines |
| Services | HIV testing, medication distribution, HIV policymaking |
| Staff | 90[1] (2019) |
| Volunteers | 1,200[1] (2019) |
| Website | loveyourself |
LoveYourself Inc. is an HIV/AIDS health care community-based organization based in the Philippines. It also runs sexual health clinics.
History
[edit]LoveYourself was established in 2011, by Ronivin Garcia Pagtakhan and his friends.[2] It is a community-based organization aiming to provide free testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and provides access to pre and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications.[3][4]
LoveYourself relies on volunteers and donations from the private firms.[4] And until 2025,[5] with funding from the United States government via USAID and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.[4]
Purpose and services
[edit]LoveYourself combats the stigmatization of seeking sexual and reproductive health.[4] It also serves as a support group for people with HIV/AIDs and provides HIV testing services.[6] It has provided aid to private companies in formulating HIV Workplace Policy in compliance with the provisions of the HIV/AIDS Prevention Act of 1998.[7] It has also expanded its scope to include transgender health care and mental health.[4]
Clinics
[edit]As of 2016, LoveYourself runs two clinics in Metro Manila. As of that period, the facilities conduct half of the HIV testing in the metropolis or 23 percent nationwide.[6] In 2025, LoveYourself has 22 clinics.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "WHO backs community-based distribution of anti-HIV pill". United Nations Philippines. December 1, 2019. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ Cabrera, Marymil M. (April 30, 2021). "Love yourself by loving others". SunStar. SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ Basilio, Patricia Anne S; Cheong, Amanda Marie A; Eala, Michelle Ann B (May 2022). "Empowering women: addressing HIV vertical transmission in the Philippines". The Lancet HIV. 9 (5): e306. doi:10.1016/S2352-3018(22)00102-3. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Co, Ryanne (May 5, 2023). "How LoveYourself Philippines is destigmatising HIV around the country". Tatler Asia. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ a b Ramos, Mariejo (March 27, 2025). "PH LGBTQ+ groups seek options to US aid". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ a b Conde, Carlos H. (December 8, 2016). "Fueling the Philippines' HIV Epidemic". Human Rights Watch. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ Santos, Ana (February 16, 2016). "Youth-friendly HIV testing center opens in Manila". Rappler. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2025.