Strengthening the National Monitoring and Evaluation System in the Philippines

HIV M&E Products

2011-11-16T19:39:00.000-08:00

Creating an enabling environment for monitoring and evaluation
Guidelines
2010 UNGASS Guidelines
2010 NASA Taxonomy

Declarations
2001 Declaration of Commitment to Fight AIDS

Generating accurate, timely, and relevant HIV data
Surveillance
National HIV Surveillance (AIDS Registry, IHBSS)

Research

National HIV Research Agenda

Monitoring HIV Programs (Health, Education, Workplace)
Database

PNAC CRISPinoy
2010 CRIS for UNGASS

Increasing HIV response data demand and information use

Reports
2010 UNGASS Reporting: FAQs

2008 UNGASS Summary
2008 UA Report
2008 Philippine Progress Report
2006 Philippine Progress Report
2004 Philippine Progress Report

The National Monitoring and Evaluation ( M&E ) System
Three Ones
M&E Products
M&E Resources
Other M&E References

For more information, contact: Mr. Zimmbodilion Mosende, UNAIDS M&E Adviser, email: mosendez@unaids.org

National HIV Surveillance System of the Philippines

2011-11-16T01:48:00.000-08:00

AIDS Registry

To keep track of the epidemiology of HIV and AIDS, the DOH maintained a passive surveillance system, the AIDS Registry. The registry continuously logs Western blot-confirmed HIV cases reported by hospitals, laboratories, blood banks, and clinics. Unfortunately, the number of subjects tested by year cannot be ascertained and, therefore, rates cannot be calculated. Likewise, data input into the registry is limited, because mandatory HIV testing is prohibited by Philippine laws, and voluntary counseling-and-testing services for HIV is limited. Thus, the registry may not be fully sensitive to capturing potential HIV cases.

2009 Monthly Report [click here]

2010 Monthly Report [click here]
2011 Monthly Report [click here]

Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance (IHBSS)

In 2004, the NEC of the Department of Health and Family Health International undertook an evaluation of the current HIV surveillance system and made recommendations for adopting new methodologies and questionnaires to improve the capacity of the system to detect emerging localized epidemics and measure behaviors that put populations at risk for HIV transmission. The recommendations were accepted and the revised Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance (IHBSS) system was implemented in 2005.

The overall purpose of the Philippines integrated HIV and behavioral surveillance system is to provide data to improve the country response to the epidemic with the following specific objectives:

• Quantifying the magnitude of HIV infection
• Understanding how HIV is spreading - or might potentially spread
• Assisting in HIV/AIDS program planning
• Advocating for prevention and care services
• Aiding in program evaluation

Download: 2005 IHBSS Report | 2007 IHBSS Report | 2009 IHBSS Report

Read More

National Epidemiology Center

The National Epidemiology Center (NEC), managing AIDS Registry and IHBSS, is tasked to develop and evaluate surveillance systems and other health information systems: collect, analyze and disseminate reliable and timely information on the health status; investigate disease outbreak and other threats to public health, network of public health laboratories in support of epidemiological and surveillance activities.

The Three Ones as of 2011

2011-11-16T00:19:00.000-08:00

ONE Coordinating Body

ONE Strategic Plan

2011-2016 Results Matrix and UA Targets
2011-2016 AIDS Medium Term Plan (AMTP5) - National Strategic Plan
2005-2010 AIDS Medium Term Plan (AMTP4) - National Strategic Plan
2009-2010 Operational Plan (AMTP4)
2010 UA Targets

ONE Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System
Creating an enabling environment for monitoring and evaluation

National M&E Framework
National M&E Indicators
National M&E Working Group (MEWG)
National M&E Capacity Development Curriculum (2010 Draft)

Generating accurate, timely, and relevant HIV data

Monitoring HIV Programs (Health, Education, Workplace)
National M&E Database

Intensifying HIV research and evaluation

National HIV Research and Evaluation Agenda

Increasing HIV response data demand and information use

Basic HIV and AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation

2011-08-25T23:33:00.000-07:00

First Batch

Philippine National Consultation: Universal Access to Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support

2011-03-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

10 Years After UNGASS

The United Nations General Assembly, at its 65^th session, adopted resolution /RES/65/18- of December 20, 2010 which decided, inter alia, to convene a high level meeting (HLM) from June 8-10, 2011 to undertake a comprehensive review of progress realizing the Declaration Commitment on HIV and AIDS (2001) and the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS (2006). The Resolution further calls upon the United Nations System, including the regional commissions, to consider initiatives in support of the preparatory process and the HLM.

To contribute to the regional consultation on March 30-31, 2011 and to the preparatory process for the HLM in June 8-10, a national consultation on Universal Access to Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support was held in Fersal Place Hotel, Quezon City on March 22, 2011.

The objectives of the national consultation are to:

1. Facilitate a multisector review of progress achieved in the Philippines

2. Identify challenges, gaps, and the way forward in efforts to ensure universal access to prevention, treatment care and support to all Filipinos by 2015.

3. Promote dialogue between health and other sectors, such as justice and drug control, to address policy and legal barriers to universal access.

The Consultation was attended by over 30 participants from non-government organizations, government agencies, and development partners. Participants came from Davao, Ormoc, Cebu, Zamboanga, Bicol, Baguio, and Metro Manila.

HAIN organized the consultation in partnership with Philippine National AIDS Council and with support from UNAIDS.

Attending the Regional Consultation in Bangkok are:

1. Cong. Kaka Bag-ao, Akbayan Representative

2. Atty. , Dangerous Drugs Board

3. Dr. Fercito Avelino, Philippine National AIDS Council Secretariat

4. Mr. Jonas Bagas, TLF-SHARE Collective

Outputs:
1. Four-page briefer on the progress of UA
2. Full report on the progress of UA
3. Proceedings of the Consultation

Availability of these documents will be announced. Requests may be forwarded to hain@hain.org or call 952-6409 or 9526312.

PNAC organizes National M&E Curriculum Development Workshop

2010-10-27T23:43:00.000-07:00

PNAC National M&E Working Group
Crown Regency Hotel, Davao City
27-29 October 2010

Downloads
Module 1 [module] [powerpoint] [terminologies]
Module 2 [module] [powerpoint]
Module 3 [module] [powerpoint] [Philippine M&E Workplan]
Module 4 [module] [powerpoint]
Module 5 [module] [powerpoint]
Module 6 [module] [powerpoint]

Impressions

"Congratulations... I take this as a very good work in progress... I hope that this core M&E team will be retained... " (DILG-LGA Participant)

"Kahit hindi ko naiintindihan lahat, kasi hindi ako ang point person sa M&E... kasi kulang staff namin, kasi volunteers lang po kami... walang suweldo... gagawin namin ang lahat ng makakaya na magkaroon ng kalaaman on M&E" (PPA Participant)

"I just would like to let you know that your efforts are well appreciated. Inaamin namin na kulang ang HIV M&E capabilities namin... so kailangan rin namin ng tulong... so tulong-tulong na lang tayo!" (DOLE-OSHC Participant)

"Thank you for accommodating 3 participants from DSWD... this is a very good start... congratulations... we at DSWD is inspired more... this is a very good achievement. Be assured of our 101% support!" (DSWD Participant 1)

"Thank you PNAC for inviting us... we are now clear on where we are. Thank you too for accommodating our questions and concerns. I look forward to future workshops like this!" (DSWD Participant 2)

"Personnaly, I'd like to thank the training team... talaga naman, lahat tayo na-enlighten sa mga kakulangan natin... as sa future activities na sana ma-inspire pa tayo. I would like to encourage everyone, especially Dr. Jojo that your efforts are not in vain!" (DSWD Participant 3)

"Thank your for accommodating 3 participants from DSWD... this is a very good start... congratulations... we at DSWD is inspired more... this is a very good achievement. Be assured of our 101% support" (DSWD Participant 1)

"Maraming salamat sa pagtangap sa akin... outlier ako kasi from the site ako. Thanks sa PNAC... congratulations. Malaking tulong sa akin, lalo na sa City namin, on how to establish or improve our M&E system. Malaking tulong din ito na naintindihan ko ang mga ginagawa ng National Agencies, kasi talagang iba dito sa baba [LGU] na palagi kaming nagwa-wonder kung ano ang ginagawa sa taas... ngayon, makaka-relate na ako" (LGU Participant)

"Natutuwa ako kasi all are excited... It gives me a lot of hope na may magandang patutunguhan ang AMTP5 at hindi siya imo-monitor na retrospect na 'ay palpak pala tayo 3 years ago'... and malaking bunot ng tinik, kasi hindi na kami mag-isang magtatrabaho sa HIV.. kasi maasahan ko na kayo. Ang DOH po ay aasa na hindi po siya nag-iisa na lang in the next 5 years... malaki po ang tulong na maibibigay ng bawat ahensiya sa DOH " (DOH-NEC Participant)

"At least maliwanag na... para sa akin, dapat mai-document ito, para mabalikan ito. Kung me resulta na ang M&E, sana maging patient tayo sa ating mga boss na minsan hindi pinapansin. At least, puedeng balikan!" (DILG Participant)

"Hopefully with these, matulungan ang bawat PNAC member na makapag-report ng accomplishments nila" (TUCP Participant)

"Thank you very much! Karamihan naman kasi work in progress... nag-i-evolve tayo eh... hopefully you will get the report you will need from DEPED!" (DEPED Participant)

"This is my first time... I have still to study. Sana hindi lang sa papel... kundi para talaga sa country. Rest assured that I will contribute... just feel free to contact me! " (House of Representatives Participant)

"Ako'y nagpapasalamat sa lahat... nakikita na namin ngayon na malaki ang responsibilidad ng ASP as Chair of the Scientific Committee. Kailangan naming pag-usapan ang importance ng M&E." (ASP Participant)

"Thank you everyone for inviting NEDA. Rest assured that NEDA's continuity of representation and support will happen!" (NEDA Participant)

"Gusto kong magpasalamat for inviting me here. Congratulations to PNAC for pursuing the capacity building efforts on M&E. Congrats to the team who drafted the curriculum... it is not easy. Congratulations to all of your contributions... it will enhance the modules. This is just part of birthing pains... don't be discouraged. Marami pa darating... pero mas gaganda. " (UP Participant)

"Salamat po... natutuwa ako kasi mahal ko ang M&E. Everytime it is a challenge... bawat challenge po me tagumpay. Kahit di makamit ang target... me learning!" (GFATM Participant)

Component 11. HIV Evaluation and Research

2010-09-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Improve HIV Evaluation and Research (Component 11)
11. HIV Evaluation and Research

Links and Updates:
2009 HIV Research Database - www.unaids.org.ph/hivresearch
2010 HIV Research Blog (Database) - http://hivresearchphilippines.blogspot.com/

National STIR-UP for HIV (Part 2)

2010-08-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

The National Epidemiology Center (NEC) of the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with the National AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP) also of the DOH is conducting the Second Strategic Information and Response Level-Up Planning (STIR-UP) Workshop from 23-27 August 2010 at the Kimberly Hotel, Amadeo, Cavite.

The workshop is participated in by the 15 of the 17 regional teams composed of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Officers, Regional STI Coordinators and Provincial Health Team Leaders. The teams will be consolidating the results of the recently concluded Rapid Assessment of Vulnerability (RAV) to HIV of selected LGUs which were conducted from May to July 2010. The RAV results will be used to enhance the regional health sector plans particularly identification of key techncial assistance needed by LGUs.

The following partners are supporting the NEC and NASPCP in facilitating the workshop: PNAC, USAID-HealthGov, GFATM, WHO, UNAIDS, ACHIEVE, HAIN, and QC Health Department.

Dr. Gerad Belimac of NASPCP delivering a presentation on Health Systems Strengthening.

Participants listen to the site presentation of Regional RAV Results.

(Click image to enlarge)

For more information contact about the RAV and STIR-UP email hivepicenter@gmail.com

NEC assesses HIV vulnerability of LGUs nationwide

2010-06-16T20:41:00.000-07:00

The National Epidemiology Center (NEC) of the Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), is conducting the rapid assessment of vulnerability (RAV) to HIV of more than 60 cities and capitals towns in the 17 regions of the country. The activity started in May 2010 and is hope to be finished by end of July 2010.

The results of the RAV will be analyzed and discussed by the 3rd week of August during the 2nd Strategic Information and Response -Level Up (STIR-UP).

2010 Rapid Assessment of Vulnerability (RAV) Manual (download HERE)

For more information, contact: hivepicenter@gmail.com

RAATs undergo training on M&E

2010-06-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jojo Feliciano, PNAC M&E Officer, giving the lecture on M&E fundamentals and the National M&E Framework on HIV to more than 50 RAATs members from the 17 regions on 16 June 2010 at the Local Government Academy Training Center (LGATC), UP Los Banos, Laguna.

The training workshop, which was focused on M&E, was 4th in the series of capacity building activities for RAATs. The first 3 workshops were conducted in 2009 - one in Davao City and two in Cebu City.

The project ,"Leadership for Effective and Sustained Responses to HIV and AIDS", is being implemented by the Local Government Acadamy (LGA) of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). It seeks to harmonize efforts of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) and the Joint UN Programme on Support to AIDS in the Philippines (JUPSAP) to strengthen sustainable local AIDS responses through the development of leadership capacities of local government units (LGUs) and the Regional AIDS Assistance Teams (RAATs).

The project is the first component of the 5-component GOP-UNDP "Promoting Leadership & Mitigating the Negative Impacts of HIV & AIDS on Human Development" programme which aims to support leadership and capacity development to strengthen local responses and mitigate the negative impacts on human development of HIV and AIDS. It adopts a modular approach in programming to remain flexible and responsive to a growing Philippine HIV epidemic and the needs of the Philippines 4th AIDS Medium Term Plan.

For more information visit the project website at: http://www.lga.gov.ph/hiv

Or contact Mr. Patrick Erestain.

The Baras M&E Workshop

2010-05-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

(Click image to enlarge)

National M&E assessment workshop, Baras, Philippines
As part of the culminating activity of the 2005-2010 Philippine AIDS Medium Term Plan (AMTP4), a National M&E Assessment workshop was held in Baras, Philippines. The assessment identified key gaps in the National M&E System and developed an initial M&E action plan for 2010-2011. Around 40 key M&E practitioners in the country, including program managers from the national, regional and local government levels participated in the workshop. Key individuals from organizations involved in the establishment of the Philippine M&E System on HIV since 2003 were also present.

The Philippine M&E Assessment Team was composed of PNAC (Dr. Jojo Feliciano), UNAIDS (Mr. Peter Mosende), HAIN (Ms. Noemi Leis), and two independent consultants (Ms. Ruthy Libatique and Mr. Luis Pedroso). Dr. Bob Verbruggen, M&E Adviser at the UNAIDS RST Bangkok, and Dr. Lely Wahyuniar, M&E Adviser of UNAIDS

Indonesia

joined the Philippine team in facilitating the workshop assessment.

In line with the development of the 5th AIDS Medium Term Plan (AMTP5), a series of M&E planning will be conducted from June to December 2010, to finalize the M&E action plan developed from the workshop and develop it into a 2011-2010 National M&E Plan.

New M&E Tools

2010-05-15T00:29:00.000-07:00

MERG tools and documents in the MERG web page on the multi agency HIV M&E webportal:
1. 12 Components M&E System assessment
2. 12 Components M&E system strengthening tool
3. Guidance on Capacity-building for HIV M&E
4. Indicator Standards: Operational Guidelines for selecting Indicators for the HIV Response
5. Scoring Template for use with the Indicator Standards and Assessment Tool
6. M&E tool for developing a digital library of M&E resources
7. Guidelines for Developing Terms of Reference for Prevention Evaluation

To access these documents log on HERE.

Please share this information widely with interested colleagues and counterparts. Email admin@globalhivmeinfo.org if you have any problems accessing these documents.

National M&E Assessment slated on 12-15 May 2010

2010-04-25T19:02:00.001-07:00

As part of the culminating activity of the 2005-2010 AMTP4, the National M&E System will be assessed in May 2010. A 4-day M&E assessment workshop will be held on 12-15 May 2010 at Punta Fabian, Baras, Rizal.

The assessment will look at the 12 components of a functional M&E System using the UNAIDS-M&E Reference Group (MERG)-endorsed M&E System Strengthening (MESS) Tool.

Dr. Bob Verbruggen, M&E Adviser at the UNAIDS Regional Support Team in Bangkok and Dr. Lely Wahyuniar, M&E Adviser of UNAIDS Indonesia will join the Philippine M&E Team in facilitating the workshop assessment. A team of local consultants is also hired to help consolidated key documents and agreements and prepare the final report.

The workshop will be participated in by key M&E practitioners in the country, including those who were involved in the establishment of the Philippine M&E System on HIV since 2003.

The activity will be held back-to-back with the AMTP5 Planning Workshop.

The assessment aimed to identify key gaps in the national M&E system and to develop an M&E action plan for 2011 and beyond based on the assessment findings.

HIV Summit - Call to Action for Broad based Responses for HIV/AIDS by Leaders

2010-04-18T22:40:00.000-07:00

An HIV Summit was held in Manila, Philippines with the following key agenda for the next three years: strengthen policy and governance; increase investments to scale up responses; sustain capacity of resources to deliver services; intensify scale up of coverage to reach most at risk population; evidence based programming and decision making.

The HIV Summit was held on 12 April 2010, organized by the Philippine National AIDS Council. The Summit was attended by over 400 representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, positive communities, and donor agencies. The Summit was originally proposed by the Catholic groups challenging the government for a face to face debate on HIV prevention sans condom promotion and condom use. The call for a Summit by the Catholic group was triggered by a massive condom distribution activity led by the Department of Health (DOH) during Valentine’s celebration in February and in the succeeding months as part of mobilizing civil society organizations for condom promotion to populations as risk, plus the fact that there is an increasing number of HIV cases among men who have sex with men

The Summit was a venue and opportunity for the positive community to raise urgent issues and concerns affecting their lives particularly on ARV and OI treatment. The country at the moment is heavily dependent on external sources where 67 percent of funds come from donors like Global Fund, USAID, World BanK, ADB, etc. Domestic source is only 20 percent while private sector contributes only 13 percent.
Currently, ARV is provided for free by the Global Fund to more than 800 Filipinos living with HIV. The DOH assured the positive community that ARVs will be provided to all those in need of the treatment until year 2012 and beyond. A concrete treatment investment plan is demanded by the leaders of positive community to make sure that the government will be true to what it had committed.

The DOH is now faced with more challenges posed by its partners. Two decades in addressing the epidemic, and yet there is nothing different in the approaches and strategies utilized by key stakeholders .For one, policy area should be strengthened and harmonized to address HIV and IDU harm reduction activities. The current law of the country on drug use negates IDU and HIV activities. A person caught with needle and syringe may be apprehended and jailed for having in possession injecting equipment.

Most importantly, Mr Mario Taguiwalo, a consultant and expert on strategic planning and health reforms said that though the country is a low prevalence country with a low number of cases, described the epidemic as rapidly growing. He also cautioned the government and all the stakeholders that the current effort is not enough and given the kind of status and the approaches utilized , the country may have a bigger problem in the near future.

With this word from a Filipino expert, the positive community, particularly Pinoy Plus Association is ready to sit down with the government to discuss, assess, thoroughly develop meaningful approaches to stop further spread of the virus and mitigate the impact on those who are already infected and to the over all economy of the country.

Written by:
Jerico Paterno, President, Pinoy Plus Association

Photo by:

Peter Mosende, UNAIDS

Strengthening the National Monitoring and Evaluation System on AIDS in the Philippines

2010-02-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

The 2003-2007 Experience in the Philippines

Strengthening the National Monitoring and Evaluation System on AIDS in the Philippines from Zimmbodilion Mosende on Vimeo.

THIS IS IT: 2009 HIV and AIDS National Dissemination Forum

2009-12-13T18:35:00.000-08:00

In line with reaching the Millenium Development Goal 6 of combating HIV and AIDS, the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health (NEC-DOH) implemented the Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance (IHBSS) in 23 sites to monitor the HIV situation in the Philippines and to help improve the country's response to the HIV epidemic.

Results from the IHBSS 2009 were presented in a national dissemination forum held last December 11, 2009 at the Heritage Hotel, Pasay City. It aimed to build broad-based public support for activities to prevent the rapid transmission of HIV in the Philippines and to gather further inputs on priority prevention activities and how these can be implemented as soon as possible.

Presenters were Dr. Enrique Tayag, Director of NEC and Ms. Teresita Marie Bagasao, UNAIDS Country Coordinator. Keynote Speech was given by Hon. Francisco T. Duque III, Secretary of Health and Chair of Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC). Panel of reactors include Dr. Chito Avelino, Asec. Teresita Soriano, Mr. Joshua Formentera, and Mr. Wango Gallaga.

Attendees include the 23 sites who implemented the IHBSS 2009, partners from the positive community, non-government organizations, UN family, and the donor community.

Program of the Forum, presentations and photos are available at the PNAC website.

Headshot Clinic - MOVE

2009-12-11T07:07:00.000-08:00

Project Headshot Clinic (HSC) –MOVE – a photo exhibit was launched last December 9, 2009 at Greenbelt 5, Makati City. Spearheaded by Niccolo Cosme, in collaboration with UNAIDS Philippines, HSC features 20 “movers and shakers” and over a hundred of people from different sectors. The exhibit will run until December 14, 2009.

Headshot Clinic Project - MOVE aims to facilitate curiosity in people and to call for action to HIV and AIDS prevention.

Niccolo Cosme is a visionary photographer who uses his distinctive style of hyper reality. The success of his HSC has taken more than 5,000 headshots locally and abroad, and is continually spreading the call for freedom of expression. He believes that photography is his way of helping out, and has indeed conceptually created change, through his lenses.

Visit the website of the HSC MOVE.

Be a MOVER by sharing this to your friends, colleagues, and family.

Experts convene to project HIV Modes of Transmission in the Philippines

2009-12-10T11:44:00.001-08:00

2009 Mode of Transmission Workshop

November 17-21, 2009

Astoria Plaza Hotel, Pasig City

Philippines

Philippine UNGASS Team joins 3rd Regional M&E Meeting

2009-10-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

l-r Zimmbodilion Mosende (UNAIDS), Ruthy Libatique (PNGOC), Noemi Bayoneta-Leis (HAIN-PNAC), and Edgardo Aranjuez (NEDA)

PNAC Launches CRISPinoy

2009-10-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

Optimizing online tools for M&E and SI: Good practice from the Philippines
October 2009

The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), with support from UNAIDS Philippines, has recently launched the preliminary version of the online National M&E Database (www.hivdb.devwebsite.info) dubbed CRISPINOY (or CRIS3 for Pinoys, which is slang for Filipinos). CRISPINOY currently houses the existing database of HIV initiatives by civil society organizations (CSO) and local government units (LGU) around the country. Incoming data, particularly for 2010 UNGASS and other national reporting mechanisms, will be built in this database.

The national database is envisioned to hold relevant online Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Strategic Information (SI) tools as well as other related databases (or at least be linked to these). These include the National HIV Research Database, the Philippine M&E Blog, the Philippine M&E Reference Group Forum and Pinoy UNGASS Forum, and the Philippine National AIDS Registry.

The M&E blog and online forums (or discussion groups) have provided avenue for ensuring timely and cost-efficient delivery, dissemination, discussion, and debate on Philippine M&E and SI products among the geographically dispersed partners in the Philippine archipelago, particularly the country’s vast network of CSOs.

CRISPINOY was developed by a group of database developers under the guidance of the National M&E Working Group (MEWG). The PNAC Secretariat, currently being trained for database management, manages the database, with support from the Health Action Information Network (HAIN), PNAC’s CSO member and M&E technical support arm.

For additional information, contact: mosendez@unaids.org

(click image to enlarge)

PNAC formalizes Philippine MEWG

2009-07-03T02:20:00.000-07:00

RESOLUTION CREATING M&E WORKING GROUP

PURSUANT TO, Article VIII, Section 44 of RA 8504 otherwise known as The Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, the Philippine National AIDS Council shall ensure the establishment of a comprehensive HIV and AIDS monitoring system.

WHEREAS, The Philippine Government, , through the Philippine National AIDS Council, adopting the 3-Ones Principle, has recognized the need for an M&E system that will meet the in-country requirements for information which will guide the HIV and AIDS response.

WHEREAS, The 2001 United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on HIV and AIDS through its Declaration of Commitment has identified specific country commitments that need to be monitored and reported at the international level.

WHEREAS, The PNAC recognizes that Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is now a vital component of the National Strategic Plan for HIV and AIDS as specified in the AIDS Medium Term Plan for 2005-2010.

BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, we the members of the Philippine National AIDS Council, aware of the fact that the response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic is a responsibility of all the members of the council, approve the creation of a Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group (MEWG) whose composition and functions are the following:
• MEWG members will be made up of a designated M&E officer from each PNAC member and will be headed by the National M&E Officer from the PNAC Secretariat.
• Set up M&E structure at the national, sub-national and service –delivery areas.
• Develop M&E capacity and skills building among its members and M&E officers.
• Develop the national M&E Plan as well as M&E workplans of its members.
• Spearhead the monitoring of the implementation of the AMTP and support in monitoring the national programs.
• Produce timely and high quality data from surveys and surveillance.
• Maintain the national HIV database.
• Monitor data quality periodically and address any obstacles to producing high quality data.
• Spearhead the assessment and evaluation of research activities of the AMTP.
• Ensure availability, accessibility and utilization of M&E products and strategic information

This resolution is hereby adopted and signed by the Philippine National AIDS Council in its 28th Plenary Session in the City of Manila this 4th day of June, Two Thousand and Nine.

Philippine Team joins CRIS3 Training

2009-07-03T02:04:00.000-07:00

Regional CRIS3 Training Workshop

27-30 April 2009, Bangkok Thailand

Philippine participants:

Mr. Rench Chanliongco

Philippine National AIDS Council

Mr. Joel Atienza

National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program

National M&E Indicators

2009-05-26T02:35:00.000-07:00

1 Domestic and international AIDS spending by categories and financing sources
2 National Composite Policy Index
3 Percentage of donated blood units screened for HIV in a quality assured manner
4 Percentage of adults and children with advanced HIV infection receiving antiretroviral therapy
5 Percentage of HIV-positive pregnant women who receive antiretrovirals to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission
6 Percentage of estimated HIV-positive incident TB cases that received treatment for TB and HIV
7 Percentage of women and men aged 15-49 who received an HIV test in the last 12 months and who know the results
8 Percentage of most-at-risk populations that have received an HIV test in the last 12 months and who know the results
9 Percentage of most-at-risk populations reached with HIV prevention programmes
10 Percentage of orphans and vulnerable children whose households received free basic external support in caring for the child
11 Percentage of schools that provided life skills-based HIV education within the last academic year
12 Current school attendance among orphans and among non-orphans aged 10–14*
13 Percentage of young women and men aged 15–24 who both correctly identify ways of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and who reject major misconceptions about HIV transmission*
14 Percentage of most-at-risk populations who both correctly identify ways of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and who reject major misconceptions about HIV transmission
15 Percentage of young women and men who have had sexual intercourse before the age of 15
16 Percentage of adults aged 15–49 who have had sexual intercourse with more than one partner in the last 12 months
17 Percentage of adults aged 15–49 who had more than one sexual partner in the past 12 months who report the use of a condom during their last intercourse*
18 Percentage of female and male sex workers reporting the use of a condom with their most recent client
19 Percentage of men reporting the use of a condom the last time they had anal sex with a male partner
20 Percentage of injecting drug users who reported using sterile injecting equipment the last time they injected
21 Percentage of injecting drug users who report the use of a condom at last sexual intercourse
22 Percentage of young women and men aged 15–24 who are HIV infected
23 Percentage of most-at-risk populations who are HIV infected
24 Percentage of adults and children with HIV known to be on treatment 12 months after initiation of antiretroviral therapy
25 Percentage of infants born to HIV-infected mothers who are infected
26 Percentage of Overseas Filipino Workers reached with HIV prevention programmes
27 Percentage of Out of School Youth reached with HIV prevention programmes
28 Percentage of Streetchildren reached with HIV prevention programmes
29 Percentage of primary schools that provided life skills-based HIV education within the last academic year
30 Percentage of secondary schools that provided life skills-based HIV education within the last academic year
31 Number of Local AIDS Councils regularly meets (at least 4 meetings per year)
32 Number of Voluntary Counselling and Testing centers established
33 Number of clinics (social hygiene, etc) for sex workers where STI services are provided (per 1000 sex workers)
34 Percentage of large-scale companies that have HIV workplace policies and programmes
35 Percentage of medium-scale companies that have HIV workplace policies and programmes
36 Percentage of small-scale companies that have HIV workplace policies and programmes
37 Percentage of young women and men aged 15–24 who had more than one sexual partner in the past 12 months who report the use of a condom during their last intercourse
38 Percentage of OFWs who both correctly identify ways of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and who reject major misconceptions about HIV transmission
39 Percentage of adults OFWs aged 15–49 who had more than one sexual partner in the past 12 months who report the use of a condom during their last intercourse
40 Percentage of syphilis cases appropriately diagnosed and treated
41 Percentage of most-at-risk populations who are positive for syphilis
42 Percentage of streetchildren who are positive for syphilis
43 Percentage of out-of-school youth who are positive for syphilis

January 2009

Philippine HIV Research Topics

2009-05-25T02:25:00.000-07:00

National HIV Research Agenda 2005-2010

List of Topics

1.1.1. HIV Prevalence among MARP and VP

1.1.2. HIV Prevalence among Partners of MARP and VP

1.1.3. HIV Prevalence in General Population, Youth, and Street Children

1.2.1. Socio-demographic profile and KAP of Filipino persons living with HIV (PLHIVs)

1.2.2. Studies on the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of PLHIVs

1.2.3. Operational research on the health-seeking behavior of PLHIVs

1.2.4. KAP of affected families

1.3.1. Burden of Disease Study on Health & Economic Impact of HIV & AIDS

1.3.2. Monitoring and documentation of human rights violations related to HIV and AIDS

2.1.1. Studies on risk-taking behaviors of MARPs

2.1.2. Ecologic/environ factors that influence vulnerability to HIV infection (E.g. poverty, population mobility, gender inequities, criminalization of MARPs and VPs, and lack of social justice)

Determining the vulnerabilities and risky behaviors of MSM

Determining the vulnerabilities and risky behaviors of SW

2.2.1. Size estimating and modeling of MARPs

2.2.2. KAP on AIDS and RH (including & identification of determinants of condom use) MARP

2.2.3. KAP on AIDS and RH (including & identification of determinants of condom use) of OFWs and their partners

2.2.4. STI Prevalence of MARPs (IDU, MSM & SW), Young People, OFWs & General Population

Understanding the Profile of Men having Sex with Men (MSM)s

Understanding the Profile of sex workers (SW)

3.1.1. Study on the involvement of MARPs and VPs in policy and program development, and Monitoring and Evaluation

3.1.2. Inventory/mapping of OFW organizations and organizations of spouses of OFWs, baseline survey and training needs assessment of spouses of OFWs, prevention programs and services made available to OFWs and their spouses

3.1.3. Studies to support the development of prevention strategies for returning OFWs (land and sea-based)

3.1.4. Documentation of the development of feedback, reporting and referral mechanisms (E.g., referral mechanism for PLHIVs detected in blood services program; referral system with professional organizations such as POGS, etc.)

3.1.5. Documentation of establishment of community-based peer-education programs for OFWs

3.1.6. Documentation of experiences in organizing entertainment establishment owners and managers

3.2.1. Assessment of approaches in Voluntary Counseling and Testing

3.2.2. Assessment of peer education strategies (among SWs, IDUs, MSMs, and other populations)

3.2.3. Assessment of IEC/BCC materials (for MARPs and VPs)

3.2.4. Inventory, review and content analysis of AIDS training manuals

3.2.5. Evaluation of effectiveness of mass media information campaigns

3.2.6. Documentation of good practices in workplace STI/HIV prevention programs

3.2.7. Assessment of the level of implementation of HIV/AIDS workplace and school based programs

3.2.8. Survey of companies to determine percentage that have HIV and AIDS workplace policies and programs, percentage of workplace with accepting attitudes towards PLHIV

3.2.9. Survey of primary and secondary schools to determine number of schools with staff members trained and regularly teaching HIV and AIDS.

3.2.10. Assessment of capacity of teachers on life skills-based approach to teaching HIV in schools

3.2.11. Assessment of capacity of youth workers on life skills-based approach to HIV

3.2.12. Evaluation of trainings of PDOS providers -- Assessment of the capacity of PDOS providers

Determining effective strategies or interventions for MSM

Determining effective strategies or interventions for SW

3.3.1. Enhancing access of PLHIVs to treatment, care and support services

3.3.2. Developing strategies and mechanisms for the re-integration of migrant PLHIVs

3.3.3. Factors affecting adherence of PLHIVs to anti-retroviral therapy

3.3.4. Study on promoting safe behavior among PLHIVs

3.3.5. Operational research among orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC)

3.3.6. Study on complementary medicine for care and support of PLHIVs

3.3.7. Survey of households with PLHIV to determine percentage of affected families receiving psychosocial support.

3.3.8. Study on the quality of life of PLHIVs

3.3.9. Operational research on implementing the ARV program in 7 treatment hubs

3.3.10. Studies on care and support provided by a network of faith-based organizations

3.3.11. Exploring mechanisms for livelihood programs for PLHIVs and affected family members

3.3.12. Development of bench-marks for sustainable programs for and by PLHIVs

3.3.13. Studies to support the development of strategies for empowerment of PLHIVs to become effective advocates

3.4.1. Capacity assessment of the health care system to respond to a growing HIV epidemic

3.4.2. Documentation of good practices in treatment literacy among PLHIVs

3.5.1. Documentation on “handling of funerals” of persons who died of AIDS-related causes

3.5.2. General Population Survey to determine “accepting attitudes towards PLHIV”

4.1.1. Studies to support crafting of PNAC Operational Guidelines

4.2.1. Mapping /Inventory of AIDS initiatives among LGUs, and assessment of their functionality and capacity

4.2.2. Survey of LGUs to determine level of implementation of the 100% Condom Use Program

Mapping or inventory of AIDS initiatives among LGUs; determining the LGU’s vulnerability to HIV; and to assessing LGUs capacity

4.3.1. Gap analysis of funding gap, human resource gap, and supplies gap.

4.3.2. Human Resource Survey Among 60 Sites (as defined in the AMTP IV Operational Plan)

4.3.3. Studies on Republic Act 8504 and how its implementation is affected by other laws (E.g. Dangerous Drugs Act, Intellectual Property Rights Code, etc)

4.3.4. Assessment of civil society involvement in the HIV/AIDS management system

4.3.5. Establishment of a centralized database/library of all AIDS related researches

4.3.6. Studies to support the development of policies which ensure access to services (E.g. for MARPS and VPs, for women outside the context of pregnancy and childbirth)

4.3.7. Studies to support the development of policy to uphold the rights of MARPs and VPs

4.3.8. Health Provider Survey to determine percentage of health providers with accepting attitudes towards PLHIV; capacity for service delivery among service providers among national agencies and 60 sites

4.3.9. Health Facility Survey to determine percentage of STI Health Facilities following appropriate diagnostic procedure; percentage of health facilities observing universal precautions.

4.3.11 Human Resource Survey among National Agencies to determine

4.3.12 Percentage of human resources (health providers, prevention and treatment educators, and care and Some studies conducted, need updated study with wider coverage support givers) requirements among national agencies sufficiently filled-in and sustained.

4.3.13 Assessment of the AIDS Law (RA 8504) and how its implementation is affected by other laws (E.g. Dangerous Drugs Act, Intellectual Property Rights Code, etc)

4.3.1.4 Assessment of IHBSS

4.3.15 Assessment of the AIDS Registry

4.3.16 Assessment of SSESS

4.4.1. Policy reviews (of various programs and their components, E.g. STI management, condom use, etc.)

4.4.2. Evaluation of blood banking guidelines

4.4.3. Review of procurement and distribution systems for various commodities (e.g. condoms)

Source: 2005-2010 National HIV Research Agenda, Philippines, 2007

HIV Vulnerabilities of Migrant Women: from Asia to the Arab States

2009-05-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Shifting from silence, stigma and shame to safe mobility with dignity, equity and justice.

Overview
Asian women migrants working overseas generate substantive economic benefits to both countries of origin and host countries. However, they often migrate under unsafe conditions, live uner very difficult circumstances, and are targets of sexual exploitation and violence. Coupled with limited or no access to health sevices and social protection, these factors make them highly vulnerable to HIV.

Methodology
Qualitative research based on more than 500 interviews over 9 months using FGD and key informant interview with migrant workers; senior officials of the ministries of halth, labor and bureau o femployment; embassy officials; service providers; and recruitment agencies in both countries of origin and destination.

Participating countries
Origin: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka
Host: Bahrain, Lebanon and UAE

Key findings

Limited preparedness and poor access to information and services render women vulnerable to HIV
Domestic workers, like other migrants, are tested without consent, counseling or confidentiality, and are summarily deported if found to be HIV positive
Female domestic workers are often only recognized as official employees when it comes to pre-employment HIV testing, but they are not protected by the basic labor rights of migrants intro greater economic debts
Disproportionate workload and unpaid minimum pay are the most common complaints. With the current sponsorship system, those who flee abusive workin conditions are immediately rendered “illegal” by host countries exposing them to greater risk of abuses
In the absence of local mechanisms in host countries to address abuses of migrant workers, embassies and consulates play a critical role, but often, where they exist, they are understaffed or ill-prepared to address the needs of their migrant nationals

NEC Assesses AIDS Registry

2008-10-28T00:52:00.000-07:00

The National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health, with support from UNAIDS, has commissioned an independent consultant, Dr. Maridel Borja, to assess the Philippine AIDS Registry. The assessment was started in August 2008 and will end by October 2008.

The scope of work for the consultancy includes: 1) assessing the AIDS Registry by describing the purpose and objectives of the system, its standard operating procedures, and resources utilized to operate the system.; 2) Identifying measures to enhance the Registry’s capability to capture, analyze and report HIV and AIDS related data; 3) Identifying other data (either new or existing from other databases, e.g., electronic medical records) for inclusion to the registry; 4) Designing a data analysis plan to maximize data utilization by various stakeholders; 5) Recommending strategies to increase utilization of data generated by the registry as bases for policy formulation and appropriate actions to stem the occurrence of an impending epidemic; and, 6) Determining the feasibility of setting-up the electronic medical records (EMR) online.

The assessment included desk reviews of registry related documents, records and data, key informant interviews and small group discussions, site and facility visits, and a consensus building workshop held last 22 October 2008 at the Richmonde Hotel, Pasig City (see photos below).

Redefining AIDS in Asia - Crafting an Effective Response

2008-10-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

Redefining AIDS in Asia - Crafting an Effective Response
A Report of The Commission On AIDS Asia
http://data.unaids.org/pub/Report/2008/20080326_report_commission_aids_en.pdf
March 26, 2008

AIDS remains the leading cause of death and lost works days in the most productive age groups in Asia.

Countries need to craft a new response – calls the Independent Commission on AIDS in Asia.

New York-Even after two decades, AIDS remains the most likely cause of death and work days lost among 15-44 years-olds in Asia warns the independent Commission on AIDS in Asia. These findings were released today in a report entitled “Redefining AIDS in Asia-Crafting an effective response” by an independent Commission, consisting of nine members across Asia and led by Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chief Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of India.

The report was presented to the United Nation Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The Secretary General commended the Commission on this unique achievement, and appealed to the Governments and civil societies of Asian countries to adopt the Report and implement its recommendations seriously. “Asia is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and holds the key to social and economic emancipation and development for the millions of poor people,” the Secretary-General said. “But we will never see equitable progress if some parts of the population are still denied basic health and human rights – people living with HIV, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and young people who inject drugs. I look to Asian Governments to amend outdated laws criminalizing the most vulnerable sections of the society, and take all the measures needed to ensure they live in dignity. By implementing the recommendations of the Commission, Asian countries can avert massive increases in infections and death, prevent economic losses, and save millions of people from poverty. Such leadership is critical in Asia today.”

Nearly five million people are living with HIV in Asia, with 440,000 people acquiring the infection in 2007 and 300,000 dying from AIDS related illness in the same year. At this rate, the study contends, an additional eight million people will become newly infected by 2020.

Dr. Rangarajan underscored the importance of the commission’s findings and recommendations. “Over the past 18 months, the commission has collected, reviewed and synthesized the scientific evidence surrounding the epidemics in Asia to recommend a more effective response” The Chairman went on to highlight three central findings to the Commission’s work. First, the Commission found that the existing global classification of low, concentrated and generalized epidemics does not reflect the situation in Asian countries, and recommended formulation of a new classification, which describes epidemics according to the biological and behavioral trends. Dr. Rangarajan also highlighted that the current allocation of the existing resources has not focused on effective priority interventions which can have impact on the epidemic and reduce new infections. The commission recommends that an annual investment of only $0.30 per capita on focused prevention programmes can reverse the epidemics. Finally, despite the significant household-level impact of AIDS, the Commission found that impact mitigation programmes for affected household were absent from most country level responses in Asia.

Welcoming the report, Dr. Peter Piot, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) expressed his appreciation for the Commission’s efforts to bring a new perspective on the Asian epidemic, including its pragmatic recommendations. “The findings of this report demonstrate the diversity of the AIDS epidemics in Asia and the need for countries to understand what is driving their epidemics and how to reach populations most risk of HIV infection,” said Dr. Piot. “Focused prevention efforts are an essential part of scaling up to universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.”

According to the report, if Asian countries fail to mount a largely scaled up priority response in Asia they will have to incur dramatic costs due to their inaction. This will mean that:
- Almost 8 million adults and children in Asia-Pacific will be newly infected between 2008 and 2020.
- The annual death toll will increase to almost 500,000 by 2020

“The report of the Commission defines a new role for civic society irrespective of the political structure in Asian countries. Community organizations of People Living with HIV and marginalised groups like sex workers, drug users, men who have sex with men and transgender must be involved not just in delivery of services but at policy making level” says Frika Iskandar, AIDS activist in Asia and an HIV-positive woman, sitting on the Commission. During the proceedings of the Commission, Iskandar led civil society survey, which synthesized on-line responses from hundreds of representatives of community groups who were involved in AIDS related work throughout Asia. “I am speaking for 600 individuals and organizations in the community, who have responded enthusiastically to the Commission call,” she explained.

Striking an optimistic note the Commission observes that if Asian leaders implement a priority program right away:
- The number of people newly infected by 2020 can be kept to 3 million, less than half the number of new infections expected otherwise.
- The death toll can be kept to less than 300,000 in 2020, saving the lives of more than 200,000 people each year.

By spending between half a dollar to one dollar per capita, depending on the prevalence rate in the country, 80% coverage of HIV prevention, treatment, care and livelihood security programs can be achieved, the Commission observes. Asian countries have the resources, the technology and organizational capacity for vastly scaled up response to the AIDS epidemic. What is required is political will of the Governments in Asia and meaningful involvement of community-based organizations in the response.

Contact:
New York-Mark Aurigemma [ +1-646-270-9451 ] mark@aucomm.net
Bangkok-Jeannie Hallacy [ +66-86-003-2316 ] hallacy@loxinfo.co.th

Research Agenda for AIDS 2005-2010

2008-10-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

Research Agenda 2005-2010:
Priorities for Research on the AIDS Situation and Response in the Philippines

The development of the 4th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2005-2010 (AMTP IV), as well as other significant gains in the area of monitoring and evaluation vis-à-vis the global and national response to AIDS, calls for an updated Research Agenda which is responsive to the changing information needs of the country. Hence, the Research Agenda 2005-2010: Priorities for Research on the AIDS Situation and Response in the Philippines was developed. It is intended to serve as a guide for policy makers, researchers, program planners and implementers, and other stakeholders in the National Response to AIDS.

The Research Agenda can also help to inform decision-makers with regard to the allocation of resources for research. Program planning and implementation which is informed by relevant research will ultimately benefit persons infected and affected by HIV, most-at-risk populations and vulnerable populations, as well as the general public. The Research Agenda is thus envisioned as a contribution toward the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, specifically Goal 6 which sets the following target: “To halt and reverse the spread of HIV by 2015.”

The Research Agenda 2005-2010 features a list of priority topics which is intended to serve as a guide in the selection of research studies to be conducted. The research topics are grouped into four clusters, namely:

The burden of illness

The determinants of the spread of HIV

The responses to HIV and AIDS

Enhancing management systems

In addition to the list of priority topics, the Research Agenda 2005-2010 also includes a comprehensive compilation of research studies on HIV and AIDS undertaken from 2000 - 2007.

The topics included in the Research Agenda correspond to vital information needs of the country. Accurate and timely information on various aspects of the HIV situation and the response to AIDS need to be generated so that the country can move toward its goal of preventing the further spread of HIV infection and reducing the impact of the disease by 2010. Furthermore, there is a need to generate information so that the Philippines can prepare the necessary reports which are part of its commitments as a signatory to international agreements, such as the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS. These reports, which are to be submitted at designated intervals, measure the country’s progress in implementing an effective and appropriate response to AIDS.

Copies of the Research Agenda may be requested from:

Dr. Jessie Fantone, M&E Officer, PNAC Secretariat - jessiefantone@yahoo.com
Ms. Noemi B. Leis, Resource Center Coordinator, HAIN - noemi.leis@hain.org
Mr. Zimmbodilion Mosende, M&E Adviser, UNAIDS - mosendez@unaids.org

Review of Pilot Implementation of PMTCT

2008-09-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

The National Center for Disease Prevention and Control Program (NCDPCP) through the National AIDS/STI Prevention Control Program (NASPCP) with support from UNICEF conducted a dissemination forum on the Pilot Implementation of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) last September 5, 2008 at Traders Hotel in Pasay City.

The objectives of the forum were:

To review global and regional trends and perspectives of PMTCT as well as approaches of linking MCH (maternal child health), STI, HIV interventions
To provide an update on the Philippine HIV data and current response
To disseminate and discuss the Davao Medical Center PMTCT review findings
To consult with stakeholders on key issues of national PMTCT guidelines and scale up
To look at PMTCT as part of the Philippine’s national response

Rationale
The Philippine AIDS Registry reported that in 2006, a total of 37 HIV infections were caused by mother-to-child transmission (1.5%), the second largest reported mode of transmission. Based on the data, perinatal transmission was also to leading cause of HIV infection among infants and children below 14 years of age in the Philippines.

In an effort to prevent new HIV infections in women and children, the Department of Heath (DOH) in collaboration with the Davao Medical Center (DMC), with support from UNICEF, initiated a pilot PMTCT program implemented from July 16, 2007 to March 2008. The target for the PMTCT pilot implementation was to reach all pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in DMC with comprehensive PMTCT services.

The Review Team was composed of Dr. Jose Gerard Belimac, Program Manager, NASPCP, Dr. Renee Faldas, STI and HIV Coordinator, DOH Region 11, Ms. Gudrun Nadoll, HIV and AIDS Specialist, UNICEF Philippines, Mr. Philip Castro, HIV and AIDS Officer, UNICEF Philippines and Dr. Madeline Salva, Programme Officer, WHO Philippines.

Dr. Belimac presented the findings of the Review Team.

Review findings and highlights

4,019 women attending ANC were reached by HIV education and counseling
1,736 (43%) of which had voluntary HIV testing
546 (32%) of those who were tested received their results
None among the pregnant women tested was HIV positive
224 male partners of women attending ANC volunteered for HIV testing
30 (13%) received their results and all were negative

Achievements and additional findings

The Review Team conducted a PMTCT training package among a team of doctors, nurses, midwives, social workers and laboratory personnel
HIV education was part of the routine services for pregnant women accessing ANC at the Out-Patient Department
A protocol to implement PMTCT was developed
The current epidemiological context, DMC would need to test about 5000 women of the antenatal population in order to identify one HIV infection
Generally, ANC services were perceived to be readily accessible and affordable by clients including women of the general population, women living with HIV and women in sex work
The PMTCT program was recognized to be a good initiative by hospital officials and clients. It gained appreciation and acceptance from other stakeholders including the HIV positive community

Recommendations

Continuing education for DMC staff was requested to improve information delivery and skills such as pre- and post-test counseling, data delivery
Integration of HIV education into a broader health education package for women such as benefits of breastfeeding, STI education, maternal and child health, etc.
Provision of laboratory supplies such as gloves used during blood extraction
Strengthen procurement system of ARVs to ensure ready supply
Inclusion of men and women who are already living with HIV in the PMTCT interventions
Current discussion platforms (Local AIDS Councils, meetings) should be maximized for PMTCT interventions

The full report “Review of the Pilot Phase of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) was published in April 2008 and is available from UNICEF at 901-0170, manila@unicef.org or contact NASPCP at naspcp@yahoo.com.

Philipine MARPs and VPs Estimates 2007

2008-08-26T00:52:00.000-07:00

Philippine AIDS Data 2007

2008-08-19T01:01:00.000-07:00

2008-08-11T00:14:00.000-07:00

Philippine HIV Initiatives Database

The Philippine HIV Initiatives Database is an Internet-based resource developed for tracking AIDS response in the Philippines. It contains information on type of interventions, activities, key players (i.e., government, non-government, international agencies, people’s organizations), and geographic distribution of responses.

It has an Interactive Flash Map and can generate maps into JPEG for presentations.

Data was gathered through desk reviews, Internet search, research from different institutions, and through survey questionnaires.

The Philippine HIV Initiatives Database was developed by Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) in partnership with Health and Development Initiatives Institute (HDII) and with support from the Global Fund-Tropical Disease Foundation. The AIDS community hopes that through this site, development partners would be able to see the meaningful Philippine AIDS response that is being implemented and they will be able to see where AIDS support is most needed and sustained.

The site is accessible at site at http://ariusproject.com/~hivdb/. The Database is a work in progress. To ensure sustainability, accuracy and continuous updating of the site, PNAC encourages all partners to visit and help in building up the database. Promotion of the site will also be appreciated. If you wish to add your organization you may contact PNAC Secretariat - jessiefantone@yahoo.com, pnac_sec@yahoo.com, at telephone +632-7430512.

2008-08-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

Speech Given at United Nations High Level Meeting on HIV
June 9-11, 2008.
Dr. Jessie F. Fantone
Philippine National AIDS Council Secretariat

Good morning Madam Chairperson, fellow members of the panel, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to represent my country, the Philippines and my region, Southeast Asia in this High Level Meeting and share with you our experience on how we respond to gender equality and HIV, and how to operationalize a multi sectoral approach to gender equality in the context of the HIV epidemic.

In explaining why the Philippines is a confusing mix of conservatism and liberalism on sexual issues, a popular Filipino journalist said that “its what you get after spending more than 300 years in a convent, followed by 50 years of exposure to Hollywood”. I presume our colleagues from Spain and the USA would know what I mean. And so would all the other countries who were once under Spain. They would also agree that in our common Spanish-influenced cultures, the honor and respect we bestow on women is one that is instilled in us from childhood.

But it is the same conservative culture that has often contributed to women and girls vulnerability to HIV. An example would be the difficulty women and girls have in discussing sex especially with their spouses or partners due to prevailing cultural norms. Sexual health problems would rather be kept to themselves than seek help, because talking about it is considered taboo.

Madam Chairperson, we in government are aware that cultural factors cannot be changed overnight and changing them to improve gender equality will be a long term goal. It is therefore incumbent upon us in government to provide an immediate response as a short term goal to assure that women and girls are not left out when responding to the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

We have long been aware of the need for a multi-sectoral response to the epidemic since the early 90s. Our creation of a multi-sectoral council was due to the early realization that HIV was not just a health issue but one that intertwined with poverty, education, economics, governance and social factors.

I represent the government health sector in my country, but the organization that I head is made up of 16 government agencies and 9 very active civil society organizations who themselves represent other CSOs.

Our National AIDS Council is the first to admit the presence of so many gaps and challenges in addressing gender equality. This was made more apparent when we established with the help of UNAIDS our Monitoring and Evaluation team in the council. The gaps were further validated during the collection of data for the recently submitted Philippine UNGASS report.

Some of the issues that we found and need to be addressed are the following:
· Lack of a specific program for women and girls. Our programs are designed as one size fits all
· Presence of many laws protecting women but are not being implemented
· Unclear policies on adolescent reproductive health
· Exclusion of girls from government health services because they are not yet supposed to have sex
· One of our partners in the council, the Dept. of Education for whom much of our advocacy for school children is dependent on still has not implemented an institutionalized sex education program in schools. Because of this, millions of children are deprived of basic knowledge on prevention and awareness
· Access to services for women and girls are very limited unless they are members of high risk or vulnerable groups
· Focus of interventions for sex partners are usually for the male partner specially among Overseas Filipino Workers and injecting drug users
· Less access to services for women and girls due to more stigma and discrimination on their part
· Increasing number of young people engaging in premarital sex and still getting younger
· Misconceptions among the young people that they cannot become infected with HIV

Fortunately, our realization of these challenges has prompted the council and in turn the government to review and refocus our AIDS Medium Term Plan to address these gaps and challenges.

Many of the other issues are also due to a lack of resources. I am glad to report that our national HIV program budget has just been recently increased from a hundred thousand dollars to about a million dollars. This plus funding from a recently approved Global Fund grant will address the lack of resources.

Among our government partners, though recognition of HIV and AIDS has long been acknowledged as more than just a health issue, budgetary support from their organizations to implement HIV and AIDS programs has always been lacking. The reason from our Dept of Budget is that such programs are not considered a major final output of their office and should be the responsibility of the Dept. of Health. This year, after years of explanations and representations with our purse holders, they have finally agreed to let National AIDS Council members from government to include in their budgets funding for HIV and AIDS programs.

Madam Chairperson, allow me to briefly mention the existence in our country of an organization called the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women which was created in 1975. Its mission is to steer development efforts towards womens’ empowerment and gender equality. Through the years it has implemented strategic plans which ensures the fundamental equality before the law of both women and men. Its focus for the years 2001 to 2010 are: Promoting womens’ empowerment; fulfilling and protecting womens’ human rights; and promoting gender-responsive good governance. It takes pride in the many significant progress and achievements for the empowerment of women in my country. This commission has implemented a policy wherein all government departments from central to municipal earmark 5% of their annual budgets to spend on gender and development programs.

Although my country is considered a low-prevalence in terms of HIV prevalence, the classification looses its meaning when compared to other countries who face the same issues of gender equality.

Thus we acknowledge the urgency and importance that unless issues of gender and discrimination, stigma and empowerment are immediately tackled, the attainment of our targets and goals and the overall reversal of the HIV and AIDS epidemic will be difficult to achieve.

Thank you and good day.

AIDS 2008 Daily Updates

2008-07-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

The AIDS 2008 â Daily Updates links to what's happening during the International AIDS Conference 2008 which will take place on August 2-8, 2008 at Mexico City. Share this link to your own blogs, egroups, etc. by clicking on the get & share tab. You may also inquire at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/aids2008. Kaiser will assist and provide instructions in creating a link on your web space.

UNGASS High Level Meeting 2008

2008-07-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

The UNGASS High Level Meeting 2008 was held in June 10-11, 2008 at UN Headquarters in New York City. In June 9, an interactive meeting of Civil Society organizations was held to provide a venue for CSOs to interact with other delegates. It also served as a venue for official delegates to listen to the CSO concerns and voice them during the closed-door meetings.

Dr. Jessie Fantone, OIC and M & E Officer of PNAC Secretariat and Mr. Eddy Razon of Pinoy Plus were the country delegates. Mr. Alex I. G. Mocorro of PAFPI was part of the Civil Society Task Force delegation who presented “Young People and HIV” during the Civil Society Meeting.

Dr. Jessie F. Fantone was part of the “Gender Equality and HIV/AIDS” panel and delivered a speech on the Philippines' response to gender equality in the context of the HIV epidemic. His speech may viewed at http://www.un.org/webcast/aidsmeeting2008/index.asp?go=202.

Mr. Mocorro's presentation and Dr. Fantone's speech will be posted soon.

Presentation of Findings on Asia Pacific’s Civil Society Involvement in the National Progress Review 2008

2008-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

Presented by Denny Chen
2008 High-Level Meeting on AIDS
Pre-HLM Civil Society Orientation and Regional Caucuses
9 June 2008, New York

Good morning.

This summary is based on a regional report commissioned by APCASO and supplemented by inputs from a Civil Society Meeting attended by participants from 21 countries.

There has been significant improvement on the current round of reporting, with 25 countries submitting reports. For the first time, 4 countries - Singapore, South Korea, Marshall Island and Tuvalu send their AIDS Report.

The reports show improved data collection, increased political commitment and greater willingness to acknowledge and include the views of CS partners.

Generally, the AIDS Review was initiated by Government with assistance from UNAIDS. CS in most countries were not involved with the planning of the AIDS Review eg selection of indicators to report on or setting the review time table, if there was one.

As most countries in AP are still developing their common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, governments relied more on their own data and showed reluctance to accept CS data and reports for inclusion into the Country Report. Data on indicators pertaining to most-at-risk populations are generally absent. If available, data collection did not include the population concerned.

There have been substantial improvements in the consultation process with PLHIV and other community groups. In-person consultation meetings were generally held to collect responses for NCPI Part B questionnaire and to present the draft report. In China, where I come from we used both meetings and electronic medium to collect responses to NCPI Part B and reached over 110 NGOs and CBOs.

Feedbacks provided by CS may not be included into the final report. And for PLHIV and other communities that are involved in the periodic National Progress Review, it does not necessarily reflect or equate to actual involvement in the overall HIV policy development and planning that determines future investments in HIV programmes and budgets.

The ability of CS to participate in their National Review is uneven. The reasons for this range from short notice to consultation meeting, lack of access to resources and government support, influence of dominant groups, remoteness from urban decision making centers to a perceived lack of capacity in relation to HIV policy development.

A truly inspiring story of CS engagement in the AIDS Review is Philippine. Initiating the planning process in as early as April 2007 Philippines CS then lead and supported the review process at every phase. The country report was written by civil society and submitted to their government for validation.

In conclusion, Governments need to increase their involvement with CS partners to obtain better and further information to assist in planning, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating HIV programmes, services and budget. Civil societies have to learn more about the review processes and make an early start themselves rather than wait for their Governments to call on them.

Thank you for your attention.

The Presenter
Denny from China is reading his master degree on constitutional and administrative law and works part-time for the Aizhixing Institute. He is a volunteer legal researcher for China’s National AIDS Joint Meeting of CBOs.
For further information please contact admin@apcaso.org

2008-07-01T00:05:00.000-07:00

2008 UNGASS

Country Progress Reports on AIDS

The Philippines, through a multisectoral effort, has successfully submitted the official country progress report to UNAIDS (see previous articles on the process and the different activities conducted in developing the report). In submitting data, the country used CRIS or the Country Response Information System software. The narrative report was also submitted. UNGASS requires the submission of country reports every two years for the monitoring of progress towards the UNGASS Declaration of Commitment adopted by member states in 2001.

The report may be accessed at
http://data.unaids.org/pub/Report/2008/philippines_2008_country_progress_report_en.pdf.
A printed summary of the report was also produced to highlight key findings.

Copies of the report in CD-ROM format and the printed summary of the report may be requested from PNAC:

Dr. Jessie F. Fatone
M&E Officer
PNAC Secretariat
Bldg. 15 Deparment of Health
San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz
Manila, Philippines
Telephone – (02) 743-0512
Email - pnac_sec@yahoo.com

The CD-ROM contains the 2006 Progress Report and other related documents used in the development and preparation of the report.

National Dissemination Forum on AIDS

2008-06-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) and the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health (NEC-DOH) jointly organized the IHBSS (Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serological Survey) and UNGASS 2008 National Dissemination Forum last May 23, 2008 at Pearl Manila Hotel, Taft Ave., Manila.

Noemi D. Bayoneta-Leis, UNGASS 2008 Project Coordinator from Health Action Information Network (HAIN), presented the process, opportunities and challenges in the development of the Country report. She also highlighted key findings in the UNGASS Report. As compared to UNGASS 2006 which required 9 indicators, the recent Country report required 25 indicators depending on the applicability in the country, in which, the last indicator was modeled in Geneva. Although, the Philippines constantly remain a low prevalence country, it has reported 24 indicators and was able to utilize Country Response Information System (CRIS) for reporting.

Dr. Jessie Fantone, M&E Officer and the OIC of PNAC Secretariat discussed the “Good Practice” section of the report. This section highlighted practical and effective response to AIDS. Dr. Fantone also presented the comparative regional AIDS situation among Southeast Asian countries.

While Dr. Eric Tayag of NEC-DOH presented the results from the IHBSS 2007 and evaluation of the methodology with assistance from Dr. Nimfa Ogena, a demographer from the University of the Philippines Population Institute. The Forum also served as a venue for the soft launch of the “Annual AIDS Registry Report” which was also presented by Dr. Genesis Samonte of NEC. Dr. Tayag explained while the monthly registry presents statistical data on AIDS, this does not presents however an analysis to the situation and does not create an impact because of the “small” figures. The annual report will substantiate more than the statistics and will also provide more analysis especially in the trends that it projects.

In the afternoon, Ms. Gladys R. Malayang, Executive Director of Health and Development Initiatives Institute, presented the prototype of the AIDS Response Database which maps the organizations and activities responding to AIDS in the country. It will be an internet database and will be lodged at PNAC Secretariat Office.

After all the presentations, reactions were solicited from PNAC members represented by Usec. Austere Panadero, Vice-Chair of PNAC; Dr. Gerad Belimac, Programme Manager of National AIDS/STD Prevention and Control Division of DOH; and Mr. Robin Carbonel from Pinoy Plus.

Discussion followed as facilitated by Dr. Ofelia P. Saniel, M&E Expert. Dr. Edelina dela Paz, HAIN Executive Director and a PNAC member closed the forum. Dr. Ferchito Avelino, Program Manager of Tropical Disease Foundation, was the Master of Ceremonies of the Forum. Participants proceeded to the 25th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial held at Quirino Grandstand.

M & E Updates and Consultation for Metro Manila, Bicol and Visayas Region

2008-05-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

As part of the AMTPIV’s strategy to strengthen management systems of AIDS response, PNAC, in partnership with Health Action Information Network (HAIN) and Health Development Initiatives Institute (HDII), the M&E Team revisited the pilot sites and conducted M&E System assessment and planning of partners. It was an overwhelming gathering of 25 participants from Metro Manila, Bicol region and Visayas as they discussed updates, assessment and planning on their monitoring and evaluation scheme on HIV and AIDS last April 17-18, 2008 at Imperial Palace Suites, Quezon City.

Dr. Gerald Belimac of the National AIDS and STD Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP) of the Department of Health presented the highlights of the Regional 2008 UNGASS Report of Southeast Asian countries. It showed comparison on certain indicators, challenges and bottlenecks in achieving Universal Access targets. He also mentioned the High Level UN experts and civil society meeting in June 2008.

Although NGOs and Local AIDS have its own initiatives in different parts of the country, they still recognized the need to continuously strengthen its partnership with different stakeholders. It was also identified during the open forum that there have been several research work complimenting to the UNGASS indicators but were not utilized in the recent country report. Furthermore, there is still a need for sustaining financial resources among NGOs and technical assistance for capacity building on research and monitoring and evaluation.

2008 M & E Consultation for Updates in Luzon Area

2008-04-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Participants from cities of Angeles, Baguio, Dagupan, Laoag , San Fernando, La Union and Urdaneta were gathered for Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) Consultation last March 10, 2008 at Chalet Tepeyak, Baguio City. The consultation revisited the Angeles and Baguio Cities as M&E pilot sites and expanded to the last four cities.

This activity was organized by Health and Development Initiatives Institute (HDII), Health Action Information Network (HAIN) and Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) as part of the AMTPIV’s strategy to strengthen management systems of AIDS response.

Lecture discussion includes orientation on M & E, updates on CRIS indicators and presentation of UNGASS 2008 Country Progress Report. Participants were also divided into workshop sessions for assessment on the challenges encountered and planning of activities of Local AIDS Council.

Although each local unit have political dynamics, rapid administrative transition, lack of funds and limited manpower, the group commend initiatives and recognized that there is still a need to further strengthen the system by identifying schemes for monitoring output and impact, continuous coordination of reporting, meeting for projects, information dissemination and education to target groups and integrating other advocacy networks to join the campaign.

Monitoring and Evaluation System: Site Visits March-April 2008

2008-03-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

As part of the continuing effort to strengthen the M&E System for Philippine AIDS Response, the M&E Team met with the M&E pilot sites in the country to conduct M&E assessment and planning at the local level. Three cluster meetings were held in March to April 2008. Additional sites were included in response to the AMTP IV Operation Plan to increase the M&E sites. The objectives of the meetings were to:
1. Provide updates to the LGU M&E partners on indicators and CRIS (Country Response Information System)
2. Present highlights of the UNGASS Country Progress Report 2008
3. Conduct an assessment and consolidated planning at the local level

The first meeting was held in Feb. 29 to March 1, 2008 at Villa Margarita Hotel, JP Laurel Avenue, Davao City participated by 7 representatives from the cities of Davao, General Santos, and Zamboanga. Cagayan De Oro was invited as an additional site but was not able to attend due to conflict in schedules. Participants were members of the Local AIDS Councils including NGO partners.

Assessment results showed that local and regional partners have continuously responded to the epidemic. However, reporting of activities to PNAC is still needs to be strengthened. A common need that was identified in all sites was the strengthening of data analysis through preparation of the local situational analysis report. This includes mentoring and building up writing skills as well.

Final Process of 2008 UNGASS Country Progress Report

2008-02-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Philippines submitted inputs for National AIDS Spending Assessment, National Composite Policy Index and UNGASS indicators with comments last January 31, 2007 utilizing the Country Response Information System (CRIS) Software.

The narrative report was presented in February 5, 2008 to PNAC Executive Committee for comments and validation. Present in the meeting were Dr. Maria Pureza Fontelera (DOLE-OSHC), Cesar Montances (DILG), Thelma Oliver (PIA), Arlene Ruiz (NEDA), Glenn Cruz (TLF), Dr. Jessie Fantone (PNAC Secretariat), Noemi Leis, Emily Magharing, and Dr. Edelina dela Paz of HAIN It was also circulated among the members of UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS for comments.

In February until March 2008, the UNGASS core team responded to claficatory questions from UNAIDS Geneva and awaited additional data on the indicators. The narrative of the 2008 UNGASS Country Progress report is yet to come with the approval from the Secretary of Department of Health as the lead agency. The launching of the final report will be on last week of April 2008 through the Dissemination Forum.

Philippines 2008 Country Progress Report on HIV and AIDS: Multi-sectoral Vetting Forum

2007-12-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

It was indeed a productive and stimulating day when Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) in collaboration with Health Action Information Network (HAIN) and TLF Share Collective with the assistance from Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) organized a Multi-Sectoral Vetting Forum last November 23, 2007 at the Bayview Park Hotel, Manila.

The said activity was attended by 51 participants from government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, United Nations member agencies and bilateral organizations to obtain comments and suggestions towards validation and improvement of the 3rd UNGASS Report.

The forum covered the following:

(a) an overview on the principles observed in the preparation of the UNGASS Report,
(b) timeline of activities and parallel process and
(c) draft of UNGASS report (e.g. NASA, Programme Indicators, NCPI A & B results and Best Practice).

After each presentation, a vetting discussion on the figures/values and content of the report was held in a plenary format. The draft Report includes information/data gathered from meetings, workshops, electronic discussions, desk review, key informant interviews, and results from questionnaires and survey forms.

In relation to the discussion, the participants suggested for the AIDS spending under the category of National AIDS Spending Assessment report to include other external donor agencies (e.g. World Vision, Save the Children etc.). While for the NCPI presentation, it was clarified that technically, only government agencies can validate data emanating from their respective offices. But it also recognized the importance of NGOs efforts and experiences involving HIV/AIDS work. There was also a consensus include more organizations and their initiatives for the Best (Good) Practice section. The draft will be submitted on of before December 15, 2007.

As an overall result, the participants recognized that the draft version of 2008 UNGASS Report has its limitations with reference to the UNGASS guideline. The presentations were not exhaustive but rather an attempt to collate and encode data information with valid reference according to the requirements of the Report.

Country Response Information System (CRIS) - UNGASS Version Training and Data Entry Workshop

2007-11-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

Last November 19-21, 2007, Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) with collaboration from Health Action Information Network (HAIN) and TLF-Share Collective organized a training and data entry workshop at Seameo Innotech, Quezon City. The CRIS application and framework reflects figures and integrated analyses on indicators, programs, projects and financial data at the local and national level of member countries.

There were only 7 participants from both nongovernmental organizations and government agencies. Participants were selected based on their experience as data managers and have involvement in data collection and analysis for the 2008 UNGASS Country Report. It was the first time to conduct a training using a CRIS - UNGASS Version .Dr. Pradeep Kumar of UNAIDS was invited as a trainor and facilitator for the CRIS Training. He is a specialist on information technology and management and has worked with UNAIDS and UNICEF for the past ten years.

Engagement of NGOs: A National Consultation Workshop on National Composite Policy Index (NCPI)

2007-11-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) in partnership with Health Action Information Network (HAIN) and TLF Share Collective with the support from Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) organized a consultation workshop on the National Composite Policy Index (NCPI) last October 25, 2007 at the Bayview Park Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

The activity was attended by fourteen (14) regional participants and twenty-five (25) Metro Manila representatives from the non-government organizations. Participants have been pre-selected on the basis of their active involvement in Pinoy UNGASS, PNAC, the Global Fund Project, and UNAIDS at least for three years on the prevention of STI/HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.

The event generated inputs and reflections from civil society organizations on the development and implementation of national AIDS policies and strategies for the UNGASS Country Progress Report. Highlights of the discussion includes level of awareness on the RA 8504 or AIDS Law and related policies, collaboration with government agencies and assessment on efforts made for the prevention of HIV/AIDS in the country.

NGOs were aware of the existence of RA 8504 but information on specific provisions and related policies are not widely circulated nor popularized. The participants cited that while the law states that it applies to all individuals, it also does not explicitly state that it ensures equal access of most-at-risk populations, and of women and men, to prevention and care services.

They also shared varied experiences working with local government units (LGUs) and local government officials (LGOs). Some have positive experiences while others encounter difficulties with LGUs and with LGOs who are indifferent or are even hostile to programs on HIV and AIDS, especially those that have discriminatory attitudes towards specific groups.

As a whole, all agreed that while there are already many programs and activities being conducted all over the country, more efforts still need to be undertaken, coordinated and sustained at the national and local levels by the national government, the local government units, civil society and other stakeholders. They emphasized that the national government has to demonstrate firmer commitment, allocate resources and support to HIV and AIDS programs.

The National Composite Policy Index (NCPI)

2007-11-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

The NCPI Questionnaire was and will be administered through workshops, surveys, and key informant interviews.

Last October 16, an NCPI workshop was conducted among UN agencies and Bilateral organizations.

In October 25, 2007, the NCPI Workshop for NGOs was organized. A total of 31 participants attended the workshop – 15 from the regions and 16 from Metro Manila.

The two mentioned workshops focused on the NCPI B section of the Questionnaire. Copies of the questionnaire were sent in advance to all NGOs, UN Agencies and Bilateral organizations in preparation to the workshop. This is to ensure that the questionnaires were collectively answered by the organization.

The NCPI A questionnaire is currently administered to Local Government Units, Local AIDS Councils, and PNAC members. Though not a PNAC member, the Commission on Human Rights was also included.

Results of the NCPI and other data will be presented in a validation workshop to be held in November 23, 2007. All those who contributed to the report will be invited to provide comments and suggest revisions.

UNGASS in the Philippines

2007-10-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), in collaboration with Health Action Information Network (HAIN) and TLF-Share Collective, lead the UNGASS process with consultation from different key stakeholders. The process includes meetings with the Core Team, workshops, vetting, and PNAC plenary for the final approval of the report. Philippines is an archipelago and along the process, stakeholders are involved at different levels.

UNGASS Team
- Serves as the Technical Working and does the “dirty job” of tools preparation/enhancement, data collection and management, data analysis and interpretation by indicator, etc.
- composed of the PNAC Secretariat, PNAC members, current and previous UNGASS writers
- it also include those critically involved in the previous M&E project
- This team will meet physically very often (e.g., twice a month and/or as the need arises)
Pinoy UNGASS DGroup –
- the larger group which should include ALL those involved in the 2003 ad 2005 UNGASS reporting
- all partners from around the country especially those from the provinces
- all NGOs, our partners in the region, etc. Most of the DGroup members will be invited to the national consultations e.g NCPI workshop, Vetting workshop, and national M&E dissemination.
M&E Advisory Group –
- group of M&E experts in the country which will ensure our M&E activities and PRODUCTS are sound, scientific and professionally prepared.
- For 2007, they will serve as UNGASS Review Team (Experts’ Review).
- They will review the UNGASS drafts and ensure that our data analysis and interpretation and our recommendations are understandable, correct, and valid

In addition, the Regional Support Team in Bangkok is also consulted in the process.

2008 UNGASS Country Progress Report

2007-08-31T23:01:00.000-07:00

Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS
2001 UNGASS on HIV/AIDS, UN New York
2006 High Level Meeting on AIDS, UN New York

In adopting the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, Member States obligated themselves to regularly report on their progress to the General Assembly. The Secretary-General charged the UNAIDS Secretariat with the responsibility for developing the reporting process, accepting reports from member States on his behalf, and preparing a regular report for the General Assembly. Member States are required to submit Country Progress reports to the UNAIDS Secretariat every two years.

In close collaboration with national governments, UNAIDS Co-sponsors and development partners, the UNAIDS Secretariat developed a set of Core Indicators for the monitoring of the Declaration of Commitment for the first round of reporting in 2003. After each subsequent reporting round these indicators have been reviewed and, if necessary, updated, based on an analysis of indicator performance in previous reporting rounds, advice from partners and programmatic developments

Philippine Reports on UNGASS

2003 UNGASS (First reporting)
· Prepared by a Consultant. Submitted: April 2003.
· 13 indicators reported. Data on 3 indicators were either not available or partially available.
· Issues/Findings:
1. No M&E system in place hence the need to hire a consultant/ writer;
2. Key recommendations: need to strengthen efforts in the implementation of policies and laws; HIV education in schools; provision of HIV information among the youth; condom use; institutionalization of HIV in the workplace; access to treatment; and provision of support to children affected by HIV.

2005 UNGASS (Second reporting)
· Prepared by a Consultant. Submitted: December 2005.
· 17 indicators reported. Data on 12 indicators were partially available.
· Issues/Findings:
1. ME Working Group was convened and initial M&E efforts were done e.g. identification of core indicators, development of M&E manual, training of key representatives on M&E, etc. But the M&E system was still not in place hence a consultant/writer was again hired to prepare the report.
2. Key recommendations: need to strengthen efforts in the setting up of a national M&E system; HIV education in schools and among out-of-school youth; promotion of correct and consistent condom use; institutionalize AIDS in the workplace programs; improving access to care, support and treatment; developing and maintaining databases for most-at-risk and vulnerable populations; increasing civil society involvement and participation; monitoring of human rights issues; ensuring quality assurance in HIV testing; and sustaining PNAC and its secretariat.

2007 UNGASS (Third reporting)
To be prepared by PNAC through the M&E Unit’s technical arm – HAIN.
25 Indicators
Jul- Sep 2007 - Data Collection, Report Preparation, Workshops
Aug – Oct 2007 - Data Analysis, Interpretation, Report Writing
Nov – Dec 2007 - Vetting Process, PNAC Approval
Jan 15, 2008 - Report Submission

Evaluation of the M & E System of the Philippine AIDS Response

2007-03-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

Kimberly Hotel, Pedro Gil St., Manila , February 26-27, 2007

=====================================================

The Philippines, being a signatory to the UNGASS Declaration of Commitment in 2001, has recognized the need to institute within the national response to HIV and AIDS and among its various stakeholders, a monitoring and evaluation system that will not only be useful within the country but will also be complementary to the M&E effort worldwide.

In 2003, the institutionalization of Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) System of the Philippine HIV and AIDS Response started through Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), in collaboration with various stakeholders and with support from UNAIDS. Since then, three projects were undertaken to develop, institutionalize and pilot-test the M & E System.

In the process of implementing the projects, both core and country-specific indicators were re-validated vis-à-vis the 4th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2005-2010 and in conjunction with the Universal Access initiatives. The Manual was also revisited by the M&E Team to revalidate it vis-à-vis the learning experiences from the pilot-testing.

In December 3-4, 2006, the National Consultation (NatCon) of the M & E Pilot Sites was conducted to bring together all pilot sites, including NGOs from different regions to share their learnings and experiences in institutionalizing M&E System at the local level. It was also a time to reflect and examine which will work best in institutionalizing M&E System and how to move M&E forward in the Philippines.

As the institutionalization of the M&E System progressed, the need to assess the M & E System was recognized. Last February 26-27, 2007, the “Evaluation of the M&E System of the Philippine HIV and AIDS Response” was conducted at Kimberly Hotel, Manila with the following objectives:

1. To describe the existing Philippine Monitoring and Evaluation System relative to the attributes of a
fully functional M&E System
2. To identify needs and gaps of the Monitoring and Evaluation System
3. To plan activities to make the Monitoring and Evaluation System functional

The evaluation process referred to 3 frameworks, all of which adapted the National AIDS Councils: Monitoring and Evaluation Operations Manual published in 2002 by UNAIDS. The agreed framework used during the workshop was lifted from Monitoring and Evaluation Toolkit: HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, 2nd edition, published in 2006 by GFATM.

The Evaluation was participated by the following:

Dr. Jessie Fantone, PNAC Secretariat
Dr. Edelina P. Dela Paz, Health Action Information Network
Ms. Noemi D. Bayoneta-Leis, Health Action Information Network
Ms. Emilyne B. De Vera, Health Action Information Network
Ms. Gladys R. Malayang, Health and Development Initiatives Institute
Ms. Ma. Cyril Dalusong, Health and Development Initiatives Institute
Mr. Arnold Vega, Health and Development Initiatives Institute
Dr. Aura Corpuz, Department of Health-National Epidemiology Center
Mr. Francisco Dennis Elfa, Department of Health-National Epidemiology Center
Ms. Thelma Navarrez, Department of Education
Mr. Ces Montances, Department of Interior and Local Government
Dr. Pureza Fontelera, Department of Labor and Employment-Occupational Safety and Health Center
Ms. Malou L. Quintos, UNAIDS
Mr. Zimbodillion Mosende, UNAIDS

The two-day workshop was jointly organized by PNAC and HAIN with support from UNAIDS. It was facilitated by Dr. Ofelia Saniel of Asia-Pacific Monitoring and Evaluation Regional Group. Ms. Ross Mayor of Red Ink Design provided support in the documentation of the workshop.

Full proceedings may be requested from HAIN – hain@hain.org or call 9526409.

Inventory of STI, HIV and AIDS Researches in the Philippines

2007-03-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

“The Philippine HIV/AIDS Research Agenda 2000-2004” is being updated. The updating of the Research Agenda is in response to the research and information needs of the AIDS Medium Term Plan 2005 to 2010 and will address data gaps identified during the pilot testing of the M & E System.

In updating the Research Agenda, HAIN, conducted a survey of researches on STI, HIV, and AIDS to identify ongoing and completed researches from 2004 to current year.

A 2-page questionnaire was developed entitled “Inventory of STI, HIV and AIDS Researches in the Philippines 2004-2007”. The results will be presented in a workshop to be participated by stakeholders for validation, prioritization and finalization of the Research Agenda 2005-2010. Information on researches will be stored in a database at the M&E Unit of PNAC.

We would like to call all research institutions and other agencies to contact HAIN to collaborate on this undertaking. For those who have ongoing or completed researches, please contact Ms. Emie De Vera at 952-6312 03 952 6409. You may also email her at emie.devera@hain.org. You may also refer websites, organizations or institutions that you think should also be included in the new Research Agenda.

Revisiting the M&E Manual

2007-02-09T19:59:00.000-08:00

The PNAC Secretariat conducted a review of the Monitoring and Evaluation Manual: Philippine Response to HIV and AIDS last December 18 and 19, 2006, A follow-up review was held last January 25, 2007.

The review was done after the implementation of the pilot testing of the M&E System and after the National Consultation with the pilot sites.

The National Consultation highlighted different learning experiences of pilot sites and called for the need to review the M&E Manual particularly the indicators. The pilot sites were consisted of Local AIDS Councils, non-government organizations and government agencies.

The main areas revisited were the following:

- M & E Framework including the M&E Sub-Plan for NGOs
- Core Indicators
- Country Specific indicators vis-à-vis Universal Access
- Data flow

Present during the meeting were:

Dr. Jessie Fantone, PNAC Secretariat
Ms. Noemi D. Bayoneta-Leis, Health Action Information Network
Ms. Emilyne B. De Vera, Health Action Information Network
Ms. Gladys R. Malayang, Health and Development Initiatives Institute
Ms. Ma. Cyril Dalusong, Health and Development Initiatives Institute
Mr. Arnold Vega, Health and Development Initiatives Institute
Dr. Aura Corpuz, Department of Health-National Epidemiology Center
Mr. Francisco Dennis Elfa, Department of Health-National Epidemiology Center
Ms. Malou L. Quintos, UNAIDS
Mr. Zimmbodilion Mosende, UNAIDS
Dr. Cora Manoloto, USAID
Dr. Ofelia Saniel, UP College of Public Health/Asia-Pacific M & E Regional Group

The Final Copy of the M&E Manual will be presented to the PNAC Plenary for final the approval.

National Consultation on the HIV M&E System Conducted

2006-12-15T00:34:00.000-08:00

As part of Strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System of the Philippine AIDS Response, PNAC, HAIN, and HDII organized the National Consultation (NatCon) on the HIV M&E System last December 4-5, 2006 at the Pearl Manila Hotel, Taft Avenue, Manila, Philippines.

The objectives of the NatCon were:
1. To share experiences and insights on the implementation of the M&E System.
2. To review and develop recommendations to improve the current M&E System.
3. To develop a plan of action on the implementation of the National and Local M&E Systems

A total of 66 participants coming from 9 Local AIDS Council pilot sites, PNAC, government agencies, non-government agencies, and development partners attended the NatCon.

Background
The project Strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System of the Philippine HIV/AIDS Response has completed a series of consultations and trainings with non-government organizations (NGOs) and Local AIDS Councils (LACs) in institutionalizing Monitoring and Evaluation in the country. Through this project, and with the active participation of selected sites, we were able to pilot test the system. The response from the pilot sites has been very positive and supportive to make this project work in contributing to the country’s overall goal “to prevent the further spread of HIV infection and to reduce the impact of the disease on individuals, families, and communities.”

After the NGOs, LACs and National Agencies have reported their data to the PNAC M&E Unit, the data were collated, analyzed and presented to the NatCon . The NatCon brought together all pilot sites from different regions to share their learnings and experiences in institutionalizing M&E System at the local level. It was also the time to reflect and examine which will work best in institutionalizing M&E System and how to move M&E forward.

The National Consultation
In behalf of Dr. Jean Marc Olive, Chair of UN Theme Group, Dr. R. Velayudhan of WHO gave the welcome remarks. Mr. Zimmbodilion Mosende, UNAIDS M&E Adviser set the NatCon at the global context and on the other hand, Dr. Ferchito Avelino, Director of PNAC Secretariat, at the local context. Ms. Noemi Bayoneta-Leis presented the milestones of the M&E country efforts.

Highlighting the two-day event was the “Data Presentation: Summary of Data Submitted by Pilot Sites.” Dr. Jessie Fantone, PNAC M&E Officer, compared the data committed by each site and the actual data received.

Another highlight was the session on the “Reflections on the M&E System.” Participants were grouped according to the following – LACs, NGOs, and GOs. Development partners (i.e., UN Agencies and Donor community) immersed with the groups to listen and observe on the exchange of insights of the pilot sites. This exercise allowed the pilot sites to review and share their experiences on the whole process of establishing of M&E System. This was also the venue for them to hear about other sites’ experiences and views. Recommendations were gathered as well on how to move the M&E forward.

The session on “Data Appreciation: The Cebu Experience” by Dr. Ofelia Saniel of the Asia-Pacific M&E Reference Group (AP-MERG) and Dr. Ilya Abellanosa–Tac-an of Cebu City enlighten more the participants, especially the pilot sites, on the making M&E work for advocacy, program planning, resource mobilization and to achieve the overall vision of Philippine AIDS Response.

Equally important was the session on Planning. Results of the planning session will help in developing national M&E plan and in strengthening local M&E efforts.

To know more about HIV M&E System, check www.hain.org/me. For updates on M&E in the Philippines, check the http://www.hivmephilippines.blogspot.com.

Note: Full proceedings of the NatCon will be made available soon.

M&E DGroup Philippines Created

2006-11-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

MEDGroupsPhils is an e-workspace (D-Groups) of Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Persons in the Philippines created to share documents, ideas, and experiences in establishing and improving the HIV M&E system in the Philippines. This D-group is moderated by UNAIDS Philippines.

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Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Persons of HIV and AIDS Initiatives in the Philippines

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Monitoring and Evaluation of Philippine HIV/AIDS Response

2006-09-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

HAIN manages and coordinates the project "Strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System of the Philippine HIV/AIDS Response.” The Project started in January 2006 and will be implemented for one year in partnership with Health Development Initiatives Institute (HDII)) and is supported by the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) and the UNAIDS. The Project supplements and complements earlier efforts undertaken to put in place a comprehensive national Monitoring and Evaluation System for HIV/AIDS. [Photo: M&E Workshop in Tagaytay, March 16-17, 2006]

The M&E Project aims to achieve the following objectives:

Produce an M&E Plan for NGOs and pilot the NGO M&E plan in three sites
Introduce and install Country Response Information System (CRIS) in 10 M&E centers at the local level, three subnational and two national pilot sites
Create a Monitoring & Evaluation Harmonization and Implementation Plan in 10 local level sites.
Prepare a Resource Monitoring Plan and incorporate the plan into the overall M&E System
Set-up an integrated Research Plan for STI/HIV/AIDS
Set-up Quality Control measures for M&E

Upcoming activities:
HAIN will be conducting an M&E capability building training entitled “Data Management Training” for NGOs working on HIV and AIDS. Four trainings are set in July, August, and September 2006. Please contact HAIN for details and application.

Welcome to the M&E Blog

2006-09-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

Monitoring the Country's Response to the HIV and AIDS Epidemic.

Second Quarter Update (Apr-Jun 2006)

2006-09-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

NGOs in the Philippines contribute greatly to the national HIV/AIDS response however such efforts have not been documented and included to national reports. Thus, the Phase III of the M&E Project “Strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation System of the Philippines HIV/AIDS Response” emphasizes the inclusion of NGOs and other partner agencies responding to HIV and AIDS who are not part of the formal government structure. This project strengthens the participation of NGOs, private sectors, and faith-based organizations. It also reinforces NGO-GO partnership.

The second quarter of the implementation of the project continued its mapping to identify more NGOs and/or CSOs responding to HIV and AIDS. Through the mapping, we were able to identify as well which NGOs/CSOs respond to the national plan and national indicators. These NGOs/CSOs will be trained on M&E.

The M&E Sub-plan for NGOs/CSOs was presented to NGOs, PNAC Technical Working Group, and to the PNAC members at the 19th Plenary Meeting. The national M&E plan was also approved at the Plenary Meeting. Followed immediately was the pilot testing of the system. The pilot testing was initiated through the Local AIDS Councils (LACs). LACs are identified to be the primary link to establishing and strengthening M&E at the local level. Eight meetings were conducted with LACc. A dialogue with funding agencies has clarified their roles to the national M&E system.

HAIN and HDII continued to work in partnership and also the PNAC secretariat and with support from UNAIDS. A UNV (United Nations Volunteer), Prof. Morten Grimnes, was requested by the PNAC Secretariat to provide IT support in strengthening PNAC’s capacity.

During the second quarter and as the project progressed, the M&E Team made some changes in the workplan to allow geographical expansion and flexibility in pilot sites. For example, instead of 6 M&E pilot local sites, we added two more to represent geographical balance. In addition, the training for NGOs and Local AIDS Councils on M&E Data Management was supposed to be conducted separately. However, many NGOs are also members of the LACs. It was then realized that all trainings – Data Management and CRIS specifically, be held after all LAC meetings have been conducted and that non-LAC member NGOs should be merged to strengthen local partnership. -

First Quarter Update (Jan-Mar 2006)

2006-09-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

The project “Strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation System of the Philippines HIV/AIDS Response” commenced in January 2006.

This project supplements and complements the efforts undertaken in establishing and developing the national monitoring and evaluation system of the Philippine HIV/AIDS response. It primarily implements the operationalization of the proposed system.

Leading to the implementation, several consultations and planning were held with key stakeholders. HAIN partnered with Health Development Initiatives Institute, a non-government organization, in implementing major areas of the project.

The objectives for the first quarter are the following:

1. M&E Plan for NGOs and pilot testing the plan
2. Institutionalizaton of CRIS
3. Financial monitoring plan
4. Database harmonization

To meet the objectives, HAIN and HDII facilitated and organized several consultative meetings and trainings. Each activity builds on the next steps of the project.