With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to pose a challenge to the HIV programs in the Philippines, Project Red Ribbon – with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) – came up with a pilot program, the “Love on Wheels”, that eyes to continue delivering HIV services in the country.
Via this program, health facilities in local government units (LGUs) will be provided with at least three electric motor bikes to allow HIV service providers to reach PLHIVs (like getting their antiretroviral medicines), those who want to get tested, or those requiring safer sex materials. The pilot is being done in the City of Manila.
With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic still nowhere in sight, said Ico Rodulfo Johnson, who helms Project Red Ribbon, “we took it upon ourselves to develop an ingenious way for HIV services to still be delivered. The fight against HIV despite COVID-19 must continue. The country needs to innovate to continue the years of successes of the HIV programs.”
The move is also much-needed, considering Department of Health’s (DOH) continuing focus on COVID-19 that seem to be relegating other health services, including those related to HIV.
In a June 10 letter sent to Outrage Magazine by the DOH, the impact of Covid-19 on HIV program implementation has been noted. Specifically: Prevention services were reduced by 20% to 30%; HIV testing services reduced by 20% to 80%; viral load testing reduced by 42%; and ARV refill services reduced by 5%.
Over three months since COVID-19 lockdowns were imposed in the Philippines, the only existing protocol from DOH related to HIV only tackles ARV distribution; and service providers continue to lament the absence of clear-cut, B&W policies re testing, as well as link to treatment of those who may test HIV-positive.
“Love on Wheels” will be implemented by social hygiene clinics (SHCs) of LGUs, involving medical practitioners like nurses, case managers and medical technologists, among others. This way, confidentiality is ensured (e.g. when accessing HIV testing, or when PLHIVs get their medicines via “Love on Wheels”).
The longer-term plan is to expand this to other LGUs in Metro Manila by July, and eventually to provinces after July.
For those who may want to avail of the services of the “Love on Wheels” in the City of Manila, coordinate with the Manila Social Hygiene Clinic and Treatment Hub, located at 667 Earnshaw St., Sampaloc, via 5310-1326, 749-8273 or 09455102130.
