11:33 PM
The Quezon City Government and UNAIDS Philippines Country Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 25 May, which aims to accelerate and expand the city’s response to HIV and end its AIDS epidemic by 2030.
The UN Package of Support to QC includes:
1 Investment Planning, Donors Forum, and Partnership Forum so that QC’s investment needs on HIV are identified and updated, financing options identified, resources are mobilized and resource gaps are closed, and partnerships enhanced;
2 Progress Review and Strategic Planning Workshop (PIR), Development of monitoring tools and database so that QC’s HIV program progress are monitored and key interventions enhanced
3 Review and amendment of HIV ordinance to ensure QC’s policy on AIDS is enhanced and relevant to emerging epidemic
4 Production of strategic information specifically epidemiological data, estimates, and projections through Geographical and programmatic mapping, Population estimates and projections, In-depth analysis of surveillance data, Strategic communication through website and social media, and Dissemination forums.
.5 Introduction or pilot testing of best practices or innovative solutions to HIV prevention program specifically iReport (iMonitor mobile application) and Community-based HIV testing to ensure QC HIV program are accelerated and quality assured.
Standing from left
Dr. Verdades Linga, City Health Officer, QC Health Department
Hon. Bayani Hipol - City Councilor - District 4
Hon. Gian Sotto - City Councilor - District 3
Hon. Godofredo Liban Sr. - City Councilor - District 2
Vice Mayor Josefina Joy Belmonte
Hon Alan Francisco - City Councilor - District 5
Mr. Zimmbodilion Mosende - UNAIDS Strategic Information Adviser
Seated
Mayor Herbert Bautista - City Mayor
Ms. Teresita Marie Bagasao - UNAIDS Country Director
Mayor Bautista, Ms Bai and the QC Health Department Heads, Supervisors, District Officers, and staff headed by Dr. Verdades Linga.
The UN Package of Support to QC includes:
1 Investment Planning, Donors Forum, and Partnership Forum so that QC’s investment needs on HIV are identified and updated, financing options identified, resources are mobilized and resource gaps are closed, and partnerships enhanced;
2 Progress Review and Strategic Planning Workshop (PIR), Development of monitoring tools and database so that QC’s HIV program progress are monitored and key interventions enhanced
3 Review and amendment of HIV ordinance to ensure QC’s policy on AIDS is enhanced and relevant to emerging epidemic
4 Production of strategic information specifically epidemiological data, estimates, and projections through Geographical and programmatic mapping, Population estimates and projections, In-depth analysis of surveillance data, Strategic communication through website and social media, and Dissemination forums.
.5 Introduction or pilot testing of best practices or innovative solutions to HIV prevention program specifically iReport (iMonitor mobile application) and Community-based HIV testing to ensure QC HIV program are accelerated and quality assured.
 |
| click photo to enlarge |
Standing from left
Dr. Verdades Linga, City Health Officer, QC Health Department
Hon. Bayani Hipol - City Councilor - District 4
Hon. Gian Sotto - City Councilor - District 3
Hon. Godofredo Liban Sr. - City Councilor - District 2
Vice Mayor Josefina Joy Belmonte
Hon Alan Francisco - City Councilor - District 5
Mr. Zimmbodilion Mosende - UNAIDS Strategic Information Adviser
Seated
Mayor Herbert Bautista - City Mayor
Ms. Teresita Marie Bagasao - UNAIDS Country Director
 |
| click photo to enlarge |
11:23 PM
PNAC, in collaboration with UNAIDS and DCAAP, conducted the 5thy batch of Basic M&E Training in Baguio City on 5-10 June 2012. There were 24 participants representing 14 organizations, including 7 sites.
10:30 PM
PNAC organizes workshop to develop the 2010 Philippine AIDS Response Report to the UN aka 2012 Global AIDS Response Report (GARPR). Representatives from both government and civil society organizations have been invited.
The government group reviewing the national commitments and policy instruments (NCPI) on HIV.
The government group reviewing the national commitments and policy instruments (NCPI) on HIV.
6:48 PM
At the 2011 UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS that took place in June in New York, Member States adopted a new Political Declaration which contained new targets to effectively respond to the AIDS epidemic. The new Political Declaration mandated UNAIDS to support countries in reporting back on progress made towards achieving the new commitments. It also provided for the UN Secretary-General to report regularly to the General Assembly on progress achieved in realizing these commitments
The core indicators for country progress reporting have been revised to reflect the new targets set out in the 2011 Political Declaration on AIDS. This page contains information on technical guidance and tools for aiding the preparation of the 2012 country progress reports.
UNAIDS encourages UN Member States to continue their outstanding record of reporting on national progress on AIDS (182 out of 192 Member States in 2010) and to submit their next Country Progress Reports on AIDS by 31 March 2012.
Reporting Guidelines
Provides essential information on core indicators that measure the effectiveness of the national response. These guidelines will also help ensure the consistency and transparency of the process used by national governments.
* Guidelines: Construction of Core Indicators for monitoring the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS
* Download summary of indicators
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Guidelines: Construction of Core Indicators for monitoring the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS
* Download summary of indicators
* Frequently Asked Questions
Data Entry Tool
Countries can submit their data directly through an online reporting tool. Use of this tool requires an internet connection and includes features to facilitate data entry, submission management, and data sharing with relevant stakeholders.
7:39 PM
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)
Surveillance
National HIV Surveillance (AIDS Registry, IHBSS)Research
Monitoring HIV Programs (Health, Education, Workplace)
Database
Database
Increasing HIV response data demand and information use
2008 UNGASS Summary 2008 UA Report 2008 Philippine Progress Report 2006 Philippine Progress Report 2004 Philippine Progress ReportThe 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
1:48 AM
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]
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.
12:19 AM
ONE Coordinating Body
ONE Strategic Plan
ONE Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System
Creating an enabling environment for monitoring and evaluation
Increasing HIV response data demand and information use
- 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)
- Monitoring HIV Programs (Health, Education, Workplace)
- National M&E Database
Increasing HIV response data demand and information use
11:33 PM
First Batch
10:17 PM
10 Years After UNGASS
The United Nations General Assembly, at its 65th 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.
11:43 PM
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]
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)
10:14 PM
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/
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/
7:07 PM
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.
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Participants listen to the site presentation of Regional RAV Results.
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(Click image to enlarge)
For more information contact about the RAV and STIR-UP email hivepicenter@gmail.com
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.
.jpg)
Participants listen to the site presentation of Regional RAV Results.
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(Click image to enlarge)
For more information contact about the RAV and STIR-UP email hivepicenter@gmail.com
8:41 PM
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
7:51 PM
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.
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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.
6:00 PM
(Click image to enlarge)
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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.
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
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.
12:29 AM
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.
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.
7:02 PM
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.
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.
10:40 PM
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
9:42 PM
The 2003-2007 Experience in the Philippines
Strengthening the National Monitoring and Evaluation System on AIDS in the Philippines from Zimmbodilion Mosende on Vimeo.
6:35 PM
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.