AIDS Society Of The Philippines » QC

An Appreciation of HIV and AIDS Counseling

ASP — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 10:29:16 +0000

While the Philippines has been listed as a low prevalence country for HIV infection, the trend changed in 2007 onwards. Increases in new infections were noted at unusually high rates that in 2013, the Department of Health pegged the number of new infections to 13 Filipinos a day. This means that one Filipino is infected every 2 hours.

There is no other urgent time than today for health care providers to receive HIV-positive individuals at our health service facilities. It is also imperative to regard counseling as crucial and essential.

The AIDS Society of the Philippines (ASP), in partnership with the Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecological Society Foundation, Inc. (POGS) Women Reproductive Health Advocacy Committee (WRHAC), embarked on a pilot workshop on “Appreciating HIV and AIDS Counseling” on June 13 and 14, 2013 to build awareness and understanding of the process of counseling on HIV and AIDS and appreciating the need for counseling skills, specifically in the conduct of pre and post test counseling.

Dr. Jose Narciso Melchor Sescon, a fellow of POGS and currently the president of ASP, was the team’s lead trainer for the workshop. Dr. Sescon recalled that “counseling was not part of any medical curriculum – unlike in other paramedical courses such as nursing and social work, but it is still an assurance that they can effectively handle HIV and AIDS counseling processes.” He said, “It is very timely that POGS members be acquainted with what and how the counseling process is correctly undertaken.”

Brother Lito explaining the importance of effective communication

“Counseling is a dynamic process between the counselor and the client, undertaking a common ground, working towards a pragmatic course of action that is realistic and time-bound”, said Dr. Sescon. “At all times, HIV and AIDS counseling is client-centered based and it is where informed decisions are made.”

The entire workshop content was culled from POGS 2012 edition: “A Silent Infection: A Sourcebook on HIV and AIDS Competency.” The primer workshop used lectures, case studies, role-plays and other forms of learning methodologies and techniques. A total of 33 workshop participants attended, 25 of them completed the 2-day appreciation training. All were OB GYN consultants sent by their respective departments from the different POGS-accredited hospitals in Metro Manila, including representatives from Batangas and Cavite City.

The workshop was opened by Dr. Mario Bernardino, committee chair of POGS WRHWA. The “Getting to know you” session was a lively Bingo social activity wherein participants moved around and searched for partners, making way for formal introductions. In the first topic, “Understanding HIV and AIDS”, Dr Nerissa Sescon FPCP, FPSMID, elaborated on the basics of HIV biology, life cycle, modes of transmission, and prevention. Her lecture also explained antiretroviral therapy and information as to where to link HIV services.

Dr. Mario Bernardo opening the event.

Dr. Sescon provided the “Global situation vis-à-vis the local situation of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines”, followed by the “HIV continuum of risks”, in which participants identified a full range of sexual activities and classified them according to the risks of contracting HIV. Dr. Sescon stated that the risks for HIV are different with the risks of contracting other sexually transmitted infections (STI) and health workers have to know this by heart.

Dr. Sescon explained and demonstrated the proper use of condoms in the next session on “Correct and consistent condom use”. The session revealed the fact that most of the OB GYN participants do not know how to use a condom.

Dr. Sescon demonstrating the proper use of condoms

The “Psychosocial dimensions of HIV and AIDS” and “All about communication and counseling processes”, were provided by Dr. Anjoy Aguadera and Bro. Lito Cruz respectively. Dr. Aguadera presented a case study that served as a springboard for discussing bio-psychosocial events in the life of a person living with HIV and AIDS. Bro. Cruz emphasized the need to revisit health care providers’ language styles in dealing with “clients”, a term best referred to patients who are undergoing counseling, and how counseling has to highlight verbal and non-verbal cues in communication. Dr. Aguadera also presented the differences between “Voluntary counseling and testing” and “Provider-initiated Counseling and Testing”.

In the session on the AIDS Law or RA 8504, Dr. Sescon stressed the relevant provisions for health service providers to know. He said it is imperative to inform, educate and reduce the risk all patients contracting the virus and cautioned against giving misleading information to clients, such as condoms having holes. Dr. Sescon said the law clearly articulates that an HIV test would need a written informed consent from the client, coupled with the conduct of pre and post test counseling. On confidentiality and disclosure issues, he said it is important that a health care provider knows to whom an HIV test is conducted and disclosed. For each violation of the law, there are corresponding penalties and sanctions to include revocation of medical licenses of the health care provider and health facility.

Participants took turns simulating a counseling session

Bro. Lito Cruz’s session on the “Different Stages of Counseling” entailed a discussion and an actual role-play of what constitutes counseling and what does not. Lorna Garcia, president of Babae Plus, facilitated a review of safer sex practices and condom use.

The participants took turns in counselor and client roles for them to experience how it is done. After a synthesis on learning processes, Dr. Sescon engaged the participants in a “Wildfire” that simulates a client’s HIV test to the time the test result is revealed.

Dr. Ditas Decena, POGS PRO, congratulated the OB-GYN participants for a fruitful and meaningful workshop initiative and for all participants during the closing ceremony. Post test and evaluation of the workshop was conducted to complete the session.

Participants of the appreciation course

For more of the photos, visit the album on our Facebook Page.

29th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

ASP — Tue, 29 May 2012 06:26:06 +0000

With the little spark of the candle, its wick aflame with the hope that the passing of loved ones from HIV and AIDS shall not be in vain — this is the essence of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) held on the third Sunday of May of each year.

In holding true to the spirit of keeping the fire burning, the AIDS Society of the Philippines commemorated the lives of persons with HIV and AIDS who have passed on, this time, through the floating of dozens of lanterns or khom loy in the dark afternoon sky.

Along with HIV prevention advocates and the health departments of Caloocan City, Pasay City and Quezon City and their Local AIDS Councils, the ASP spearheaded the commemoration at the 8^th Avenue, Caloocan City, shortly before sunset on May 18, 2012. The activity marked by speeches from government representatives, advocates and people living with HIV (PLHIV) was supported by the Center for Health Development of the National Capital Region and Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria– Department of Health.

In another activity, and this time, with mass yoga practice and candle lighting ceremonies, the ASP joined volunteer HIV groups and private individuals at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on May 19, 2012 with Yoga For Life in partnership with Take The Test Campaign, The Love Yourself Project, and Youth AIDS Filipinas Alliance. The activity, entitled, “Oneness through Wellness” enjoined the groups to advocate not only for HIV awareness, prevention and control, but also treatment, care and support.

A Yoga practitioner doing a warrior pose during the Yoga For Life's IACM event.
Photo by Noel Abelardo

The ASP fervently hopes that the public will take part, in its own little way, in shedding some light to the effects of HIV infection on persons who have lived and died. The annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and similar activities will be more meaningful if everyone is aware and would eventually care.

iCON Clinic

ASP — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:47:37 +0000

We’re finally open!

On May 19, 2012, ASP iCON Clinic will be open to help you with your concerns about your sexual health. We offer to provide you quality clinical service, keeping in mind your need for confidentiality and comfort. Where else would you want to know about the status of your sexual health but with the experts in the field?

The clinic is at G/F OTM Building, 71 Scout Tuason St., Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City. We are open every Friday, 5PM – 9PM and Saturdays from 10AM – 9PM. Contact us at (+63) 376-2541 or email us at asp.iconclinic@gmail.com for any of your inquiries.

Now, there’s a safe place for you.

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11th ASP General Assembly Meeting

ASP — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:51:42 +0000

What: 11th ASP General Assembly Meeting
When: October 21, 2011 (Friday)
Where: Dad’s Place, 72 Scout Tuason St., South Triangle, Quezon City

This year’s theme: “Chatters, Bloggers, Texters at risk of HIV”
Guest speakers: Dr. Isabel E. Melgar & Dr. Mary Annjoy Aguadera

The global village is getting smaller and is constantly evolving, but what impact can advances in online mobile and social technology have on issues regarding HIV and AIDS?

The birth of social media platforms are changing the state of play when it comes to health information and services enabling organizations to reach out to young people about issues surrounding HIV without drowning and overwhelming us in statistics and scholarly articles! Truly, health technology provides solutions that improves the efficiency, effectiveness and access of health service delivery for HIV prevention, treatment and care.

We believe that mobile, online and social technologies plays a critical role in empowering individuals to take control of their HIV status by simply being connected!

Anybody, anyone could be at risk including you!

Preceeding ASP’s membership meeting will be a scientific forum which will provide important information on the progress of HIV outreach. There will be a discussion on the changing trends and patterns of HIV infection as well as the country’s responses.

In behalf our President, Dr Jojo Sescon, our Founder Dr Ofelia T Monzon, and ASP’s Board of Trustees, we look forward to an informative event that is of special interest to all of us!

Pre-registration Fee will be P250.00 (until 10/18/11) while the on-site Registration Fee for non-members will be Php300.00. This includes 2 snacks and a buffet lunch.

To confirm attendance, simply download and complete the confirmation slip and fax it back to: (02) 376-2546 or e-mail it to: info@aidsphil.org or me.laya@aidsphil.org on or before October 18, 2011.

Confirmation Slip and Location Map: Download Now

For any inquiries, please feel free to contact us. Look for Ma. Eloisa Laya or Bong Yap.

Our New Website

ASP — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:42:34 +0000

ASP’s latest publication, Quick Reference Guide for Returning OFWs, is now available in print and in the website.

You may download your digital copy of the publication here: Download Now