HIV/AIDS Training and Care 2000-2004

Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA began working with the Positive Action Foundation of the Philippines Inc (PAFPI) in 2000 to support HIV/AIDS training for Philippine migrant workers and to create and support a drop-in centre for those affected by HIV/AIDS. The centre provides care, support, education about HIV/AIDS and safe sex practices, counselling, and therapy for those with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers.

Project Background

From July 2000 to September 2004, the Pasasalamat Fund, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA and AusAID, have funded the Abot Kamay Drop-In Centre operated by the Positive Action Foundation Philippines Inc (PAFPI). About 5,500 People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) who visited the Centre received information on the disease, and were provided counselling and referral services. During this period, PAFPI also provided training on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS to over 46,000 Filipino workers before they embarked on their overseas posting. In addition, PAFPI took a leading role in convincing the Philippine government to import a cheaper anti-retroviral drug from CIPLA India. PAFPI has also campaigned actively to educate the public on HIV/AIDS and advocated better services for PLWHA.

The Abot Kamay Drop-In Centre is a very important source of support for PLWHA and their families. It provides accommodation, especially to those PLWHA and affected family members who are from the rural provinces, during times when the former have to access medical services in Manila. Care has also been expanded to include post-mortem services for bereaved family and friends, as well as the provision of funeral services in cases where the deceased was disowned by her/his family.

In the four years since its establishment, the Centre has performed many functions, including facilitating access to care and support, providing advocacy services, and building capacity in support of existing program interventions.

The HIV/AIDS toll in the Philippines cannot be underestimated. The current government figure of those infected stands at 1,850 but this figure is deemed very conservative by the Philippines National AIDS Council. Thirty eight percent of those who are HIV positive are overseas workers, indicating that much more needs to be done in the areas of training and support.

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Last Modified: Friday, 20-Apr-2007 18:10:55 EST
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