Publications
Health Alert Asia Pacific | AIDS Action | Health Alert Philippines | Drug Monitor | Books & Monographs
HAIN publications include newsletters, books and monographs. Some of our publications present results of our research findings and provide documentations of the trainings we have conducted. The publications cover topics relevant to various health aspects from a wide range of social science disciplines and cater to different sectors. These publications reach both local and international communities.
Newsletters
Each issue of the Health Alert Asia Pacific (HA-AP) carries a specific theme on the different health and development issues and features articles about the theme. HAIN envisions Health Alert to be useful in advocacy, training and further research. It aims to reach health workers, researchers, policy makers and program managers.
The newsletter is being supported by CAFOD-London through Healthlink Worldwide.
Issue 1: The politics of health: the 25th year anniversary of the Alma Ata Declaration
In time for the commemoration of the 25th year anniversary of Alma Ata Declaration, this issue focuses on the politics of health as it discusses the successes and pitfalls of the Alma Ata Declaration and the setbacks in the declaration’s implementation. It also features articles on essential drugs, the implications of primary health care on SARS and HIV/AIDS epidemic, and an article on the Philippines’ experience with community based health programs.
Issue 2: Racing Against Tuberculosis
Focusing on one of the top public health issues, this issue looks at the reasons why Tuberculosis remains a health problem despite the existence of prevention measures and treatment. This issue looks at local health-seeking behaviors and patterns that affect disease management and prevention. It also presents the basic facts and global status of TB as well as current trends in treatment and care. Moreover, it draws on various experiences of countries in the Asia Pacific region such as India and the Philippines. It also reviews and evaluates the extent by which the targeted detection and cure rates through DOTS have been achieved, and dwells on the constraints in implementing the DOTS program in developing countries, the new challenges to TB treatment and the alternative approaches to TB treatment.
Issue 3: Communicating for Advocacy
This issue was conceptualized as an offshoot of the Communicating for Advocacy Project of Healthlink Worldwide together with its partner organizations in Asia, including HAIN-Philippines. This issue of HA-AP features articles that show the importance of advocacy among NGOs to influence polices and advance their cause. Likewise, it presents some of the basic concepts in advocacy and working with the media. In particular, it features the advocacy works and experiences of some of the partner organizations in Sri Lanka (advocacy project on rational drug use), Cambodia (use of radio and soap opera to promote SRH), Bangladesh (advocacy on disability issues) and the Philippines (advocacy project of the Save the Abra River Movement).
Issue 4: Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS
As the World AIDS Campaign carries the theme “Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS” in 2004, this issue of Health Alert Asia Pacific examines the factors that make women vulnerable to HIV. It looks at the gender and human rights dimensions of HIV/AIDS, paying special attention to the social, economic and cultural conditions that increase the vulnerability of women to HIV/AIDS. Looking towards solutions, this issue also features the developing research into microbicides that provide women a safe sex tool they can control and help abate the transmission of HIV and other STDs.
Issue 5: Mainstreaming Disability
This issue discusses mainstreaming disability on the issues of poverty, development, and practice. The three roundtable discussions that took place in Malawi, India and Cambodia are also featured— discussions that provided a venue for people with disabilities to highlight the links between disability, poverty, and economics. The discussions also emphasized the role of Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) in achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Issue 6: The Impact of Substance Abuse in Asia
This issue discusses the social, cultural and economic impact of substance abuse in Asia. It shows how mass media and advertising influence men, women and the youth to be hooked on alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. This issue also discusses the consequences of substance abuse on the sexual behavior of individuals and how it may lead to sexual abuse and violence. On the pro-active side, the responses of various organizations to the problems posed by substance abuse are profiled. It is hoped that the activities of Thai Health Promotion, Mainline Foundation, Asian Harm Reduction Network, and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation may serve as models and inspirations for other organizations.
Issue 7: Communicating for Advocacy: An Agent for Social Change
This issue of Health Alert Asia Pacific showcases the achievements of the Communicating for Advocacy Project (CFA) as summarized in the declaration of unity which all the partners agreed during the CFA Plenary held in Dhaka, Bangladesh in September 2005. This issue also talks about testaments of four advocates that illustrate what an empowered population can do to effect meaningful changes in their communities. Their stories put a human dimension to the seemingly abstract achievement of CFA.
Issue 8: Global SOS for Health
This issue of Health Alert Asia Pacific discusses the global health situation, providing an overview of the health status of the global population. For the past 30 years or so, new diseases have emerged while diseases that have been eradicated or controlled before are resurging. The global community also got a scare when the Severe AcuteRespiratory Syndrome first appeared in China and quickly spread to other parts of the world. Authorities are also keeping a tight watch on the possible mutation of the bird flu virus. The editorial provides a framework for an alternative discussionof health issues, such as the migration of health professionals and the impact of wars on people’s health. Dr. Wim de Ceukelaire also provided a critique of the Millennium Development Goals and compared these with the ideals of the Alma Ata Declaration.
Issue 9: The Global Drug Industry’s Stranglehold on People’s Health
This issue examines how pharmaceutical firms operate on the basis of earning profits at the expense of people’s health. The article “Big Pharma: profiting on ill-health” profiles the drug industry. With profits as the primary consideration, drug companies are willfully violating ethical and moral considerations to further boost their sales. The article, “Tripping over TRIPS,” examines the possible ramifications of the Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights on India’s generic drug industry. The other articles show the different responses of concerned organizations and individuals to the problem. Malaysia’s essential drugs list, explains what would make essential medicines more accessible and affordable. The article on Sri Lanka’s experience in handling its TB issue shows how the availability of medicines, coupled with a holistic program, could control the spread of the disease. An article showcases the successes and the challenges faced in advocating for global access to essential medicines. Medherbal Pharmacy, meanwhile, seeks to address the problem of expensive medicines by selling and promoting generic medicines.
Issue No. 10 - Indigenous Peoples: Living on the Edge
This issue delves into the health issues faced by indigenous peoples. Two articles, “Health care for the Orang Asli: consequences of paternalism and non-recognition” and “Indigenous people’s survival: our environment, our lives,” give a brief explanation of the indigenous peoples’ concept of health and well-being. This also features articles on the health situation of Taiwanese and Australian Aborigines. The article about the Mangyans of Mindoro illustrates how apathy, government neglect, and militarization adversely affect the health and lives of indigenous peoples. Another article focuses on biopiracy and how the act further marginalizes indigenous peoples. The special issue, “Creating Roads to SRH,” provides a fresh angle in the discussion of delivery of health services in far-flung areas; detailing how the lack of roads and other vital infrastructures adversely affect a community.
Issue No. 11 - Diseases of Poverty: Infectious Diseases
This issue discusses the social burden of infectious diseases as it illustrates the dynamics between poverty and ill-health (e.g.. tuberculosis). One article explores the collapse of public health care systems due to wars.The article “Revisiting lessons from the SARS outbreak” showed how global travel can spread the disease and valuable lessons on how to better handle a possible pandemic. Two articles also show how the adoption of social marketing principles can help ensure the success of a project.
Issue 12: Endangered Environment, Endangered Health
This 12th issue of Health Alert discusses key issues surrounding global warming. The editorial, “What price development?” shows how the race for economic progress practically leaves the environment in ruins. “Hazards of climate change,” meanwhile, discusses in details how climate change poses a challenge in global health security. Another article on “Investments and profits in mining: implications on health” shows how the mining industry affects the environment and the people’s health. The author maintains that current mining practices employed by transnational corporations leave the community more vulnerable to diseases and disasters. The last two articles, “Tsunami postscript: rebuilding a nation after a disaster” and “Towards achieving disaster-resilient community,” offers valuable tips on how to deal with disasters.
Issue 13: Hunger elimination: Missing the target
This issue discusses the nutrition status in Asia and the Pacific reiterating that hunger and malnutrition are not just health issues - these twin issues are also socio-political and economic in nature. Compounding the problem of malnutrition is the rising incidences of obesity and micronutrients deficiency. The article “Obesity in the Asia-Pacific region” highlights this growing problem, particularly in the Pacific region where cultural beliefs and a changing food consumption pattern conspire to make obesity a serious health threat. “The pangs of hidden hunger,” on the other hand, provides an overview of micronutrients deficiency. This issue also looks at the importance of water in the fight against malnutrition. The problem though is that the world is facing the real threat of water scarcity and the challenge is to manage this precious resource in an equitable and sustainable manner. Two articles give update on the issue of Melamine and call for consumers to take a more proactive stance in ensuring their own nutritional well-being.
Issue 14: Minding Mental Health
The global community’s understanding of different mental illnesses has grown by leaps and bounds. And yet, despite the advancements in the field of mental health, a large percentage of the global population still has no access to treatment and care. In addition, the number of people suffering from certain mental illnesses is expected to sharply rise in the years to come. This issues looks into different issues of mental health which includes the phenomenon of Internet addiction, suicide and effects of wars on both the civilians and combatants. This also provides article on how the implementation of community-based programs can help bridge the treatment gap in developing countries. Another article looks into the mental health of NGO staff and humanitarian aid workers, whose needs have been largely overlooked as they go about the business of helping other people.
AIDS Action Asia Pacific (AA-AP) edition is a quarterly newsletter on HIV prevention and care. Each issue of the newsletter has a thematic focus (i.e. HIV and Safer Sex) together with updates on HIV-related issues. It also gives emphasis to the experiences of organizations in HIV education, research and care in the Asia Pacific region.
The newsletter ran from 1996 to 2001 and has reached to more than 60 countries in South and Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific region. AIDS Action was published in coordination with the London-based Healthlink Worldwide, which produces the international edition of the newsletter with support from various donors. Other regional editions of AIDS Action were also produced by Healthlink’s partner organizations in Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Senegal.
List of AA-AP Titles
Issue 52-53 Young People at Risk Jul-Dec 2001
Issue 50-51 Sharing & Exchanging Information Jan-Jun 2001
Issue 49 Traditional and Alternative Medicines Oct-Dec 2000
Issue 48 Talking About Safer Sex Jul-Sep 2000
Issue 47 Religion and HIV/AIDS Apr-jun 2000
Issue 46 Improving Access to Care Jan-Mar 2000
Issue 44-45 HIV and Children Jul-Dec 1999
Issue 42-43 Making Clear Messages Jan-Jun 1999
Issue 41 Caring for People Who Are Very Sick Oct-Dec 1998
Issue 40 People on the Move Jul-Sept 1998
Issue 39 Keys to Success Apr-Jun 1998
Issue 38 HIV & its Impact on Health Workers Jan-Mar 1998
Issue 37 HIV and Safe, Healthy Sex Oct-Dec 1997
Issue 36 Reproductive Tract Infections Jul-Sep 1997
Issue 35 Disability and HIV Apr-Jun 1997
Issue 34 Blood Safety Jan-Mar 1997
Issue 33 Human Rights and HIV/AIDS Oct-Dec 1996
Issue 32 Making Progress Jul-Sep 1996
Issue 31 HIV, Drugs and Diet Apr-Jun 1996
Issue 30 Tackling HIV and TB Jan-Mar 1996
Issue 29 Much More Than Information Oct-Dec 1995
Issue 28 Home and Hospital Jul-Sep 1995
Issue 27 Caring for Children Apr-Jun 1995
Issue 26 All About STDs Jan-Mar 1995
Issue 25 Young People First Oct-Dec 1994
Issue 24 Keys to Counselling Jul-Sep 1994
AIDS Action Asia-Pacific CD-ROM edition
All issues of AA-AP are compiled in a CD-ROM containing the 30 issues of AA-AP that were produced by HAIN in collaboration with HLWW since 1994.
Health Alert (Philippine edition 1985-1996)
The first newsletter HAIN published was Health Alert, which was printed from 1985 to 1996. Published bi-monthly, it was intended to serve as a quick information system, providing short news and feature articles on health-related issues, as well as announcements on activities and projects from health groups. The very first issue focused on labor issues and was in time for the Labor Day celebration on May 1, 1985. From time to time, HAIN would came up with a special edition of Health Alert which focuses on particular most pressing issues.
Pornography: Beyond the Sizzle
Discusses issues and questions that revolve around pornography such as rape and sexual crime, the centerfold syndrome, and censorship. It also discusses various cultural aspects like the views of Filipinos on what is obscene and not.
Abortion: Realities and Responsibilities
Discusses the issue of why abortion occurs and what happens after a woman has or attempts an abortion. This report mainly relies on research findings from a nationwide study on abortion conducted by the University of the Philippines Population Institute.
Philippine Health Matters 1995
Discusses how economic and social factors influence the health situation in the Philippines. This report also discusses how variables such as class, educational attainment and gender can have such wide-reaching impact on everything from disease patterns to reproductive behavior. Statistics are presented along with commentaries to help readers to be more critical about these figures.
The Filipino Child: Different Perspectives
This special edition of Health Alert features stories on the different perspectives on Filipino children. It includes articles on defining “children” according to views of different parents and children themselves. The report also tackles the convention on the rights of the child according to a feminist’s view.
Creating Baby Friendly Hospitals
This special edition of Health Alert features an article about baby-friendly hospitals in the Philippines—the Fabella Memorial Hospital and the Baguio General Hospital—that promote rooming-in and breastfeeding policies. Also included are related articles on breastfeeding.
Produced bi-monthly, this newsletter presented news and feature articles that aimed to provide objective information on health and medical issues to the public. This was also one of the earliest publications of HAIN. The first issue came out in 1986 and continued for 10 years.
A complete set of this newsletter is archived at the HAIN Resource Center.
Primary Health Care Approach to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
The PHC approach has provided the shift in perspective from a medicalized and biomedical framework to a more sociopolitical-cultural and biopsychosocial approach to health. The principles of PHC clearly embody the role of social determinants in health, ie, poverty, inequity, social injustice, as factors lying outside the medical and public health services that strongly determine health. As we look at the experiences of countries, it is evident that countries which achieved the more lasting improvements in health were those with a commitment to equitable development.
It is on these premises that the focus on sexual and reproductive health should not be on population control or sex act itself (as is the direction of the current debate), but on population as it relates to poverty, environment, education and other social issues. The campaign for the recognition of sexual and reproductive health and rights should be seen in the over all pursuit of human rights, including the right to health and the right to development. These rights can only be attained if we struggle against unequal and unjust social, economic and political structures which are the root causes of poverty, ill health, and underdevelopment.
HAIN hopes that that material will provide our readers this perspective.
UNGASS Report Summary
As part of the commitment to the United Nations General Assembly on HIV and AIDS (UNGASS) Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS, member countries are required to submit a biennial report in monitoring its progress in response to AIDS. HAIN was tasked to lead the preparation of the report in collaboration with the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) and in partnership with TLF Share Collective. As the final report was submitted, HAIN also published a brief summary report showcasing the updates on statistics and analysis of HIV and AIDS situation in the country.
Breaking Through the Noise: An Introduction to the Spitfire Smart Chart II
This manual is an adaptation of the Spitfire Smart Chart as embodied in the training workshops conducted by HAIN in 2006. The manual cites communication experiences and examples that are specific to Philippine context. The Smart Chart approach to Strategic Communication developed by the Spitfire Strategies, Inc. is one simple tool that can help organizations/institutions develop a sharp, coherent and effective communication plan.
Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior and Practices on HIV/AIDS among Filipino Youth and Health Workers
The study covered 4111 youth and 216 health workers. The study was conducted in the National Capital Region (Quezon City, Pasay and Manila), Camarines Norte, Iloilo, Guimaras, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Davao, Maguindanao, Sarangani and Zamboanga. The project examined how today’s young people’s knowledge, attitude and behavior on sexual and reproductive health. It also looked at the delivery of reproductive health services to the youth, the availability and accessibility of youth-friendly services in health centers. In 2006, UNICEF published the result of the research. The data in this report serves as a baseline data and guide for UNICEF in designing HIV/AIDS and ARH programs and interventions in their selected sites.
Resource Center Manual 2004
This manual is primarily intended for relatively small NGOs that plan to establish or are currently maintaining a Resource Center. It aims to provide users with the basic skills and knowledge in organizing materials to enhance their collection, improve the delivery of information, and effectively disseminate information to their partners. The manual also covers the processes involved in organizing a resource center such as ordering materials, recording, organizing and promoting services, and presents them in a simple way.
2005 Philippine HIV and AIDS Country Profile
The 2005 Philippine HIV/AIDS Country Profile report focuses on HIV/AIDS as a development issue, with the first chapter devoted to many facts and figures taken from the national as well as global situation to help us understand where we are, and where we might be headed. This report also presents and reviews key development indicators affecting the response to HIV/AIDS that includes vital statistics on the socio-economic situation and the health care system. The framework used here hews closely to that of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) adopted by the Philippines as part of its development planning and implementation.
The second part of the report reviews the Philippines’ past responses to HIV/AIDS. Twenty-four organizations with good practices are profiled to show how different sectors and communities have responded to HIV/AIDS. These case studies provide a broad glimpse into the various responses and strategies that these various organizations have employed.
The final chapter looks at what we know and what we have done for the Philippines in relation to the UNGASS (UN General Assembly Special Sessions) Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, which was signed in June 2001 as a global battle plan against HIV/AIDS. We also had the “Three Ones” action framework first proposed in 2004 by UNAIDS to achieve the most effective and efficient use of resources, and to ensure rapid action and results-based management.
The repot is also accompanied by a 20-minutes video presentation in DVD and VCD formats which highlights the key issues and responses on HIV/AIDS in the Philippines.
HIV/AIDS Country Profile 2002
The 2002 Country Profile on the HIV/AIDS situation in the Philippines updates the last report prepared by HAIN in 2000. Following the previous profile’s format, this country profile incorporates a wide range of data that sheds further light into the HIV/AIDS situation in the Philippines. Aside from data on the country’s demography and health situation, this profile also has data on economic indicators, education and poverty.
The report begins with a look at the Philippines — how the country’s endowments and current status affect, whether positively or negatively, the spread of HIV/AIDS. It then studies the country’s health system and the current situation of HIV/AIDS — number of cases, deaths and monitoring. Groups that are at risk of contracting the disease are then identified, along with how the disease affects individuals and communities and how its spread is prevented. This profile ends on a forward-looking note, pointing to the challenges that face the country in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Data for this profile was compiled in the last quarter of 2002 and came out of the press in June 2003. Sources of information include official government statistics, academic studies and NGO-conducted research. The Philippine National AIDS Council and UNAIDS-Philippines supported this project.
HIV/AIDS Country Profile 2000
This profile looks at the many factors that shape risks to HIV/AIDS at both the individual and societal level. It draws on research in epidemiology, economics and anthropology to evaluate where the Philippines is with regard to the HIV/AIDS epidemic as well as where we might be headed.
The data were based on available statistics from government agencies as well as research conducted by NGOs and academic institutions. The report was targeted to be useful to policy makers and program managers to stimulate more support for a more in-depth situational analysis in the future.
The project was supported by UNAIDS in collaboration with the Philippine National AIDS Council.
Essential AIDS Information Resources Asia-Pacific edition
This book contains a list of more than 400 resources on HIV/AIDS with brief descriptions and details on how to access and obtain them. The resources in this list include print materials (books, training manuals, newsletters, journals, catalogues and resource guides) and non-print materials (CD-ROMs, videos, websites and listservs). The resource list also provides contact details on organizations and sources of information.
Choices: A Guide to Family Planning
This manual is based on the series of training workshops on operations research and family planning that HAIN conducted from 1997 to 1999 in different parts of the Philippines. This publication is a compilation of lectures from the first round of the workshops, which was on the basics of family planning. Topics included here are basic discussions about family planning, gender and sexuality, reproductive anatomy and physiology, the different methods of family planning, and counseling.
Operations Research for Family Planning: A Simplified Guide
This manual is based on the series of training workshops on operations research and family planning that HAIN conducted from 1997 to 1999 in different parts of the Philippines. This publication is a compilation of lectures from the second round of the workshops, which was on training in operations research. The manual discusses the different kinds of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
A Matter of Time: HIV/AIDS Development in the Philippines
This study gives a deeper understanding of HIV/AIDS, looking at it not solely in biomedical terms but in a more encompassing perspective that examines how HIV/AIDS will impact economic growth, life expectancy, poverty, and community and family life. It seeks to provide the needed cornerstone for more effective and realistic interventions, anchored on a deeper understanding of what the disease means to the development potentials of the country and to the survival of the Filipino people.
The study reviewed and concurred with experts that describe HIV/AIDS in the Philippines as “low and slow.” The publication ended by explaining its title “A Matter of Time” – that the Philippines have been fortunate to have had an early start with prevention campaigns on HIV/AIDS; yet, there is a sense of urgency because we know that eventually we might reach a critical mass of HIV infections, and the epidemic can spread rapidly when that happens.
Conducted from January to June 2000, the study was multi-method, multi-disciplinary and multi-site. It also included case studies on people living with HIV/AIDS, men who have sex with men, and Filipino overseas workers. It was commissioned by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
SRH Infopack
The Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) InfoPack contains summaries of materials relating to sexual and reproductive health that were produced and reproduced by HAIN. Primarily intended for Philippine users, The InfoPack is designed to address the information needs of individuals and organizations working in related fields.
The InfoPack provides basic information on a wide range of topics. It is divided into five sections—the first four sections are specific topics on sexual and reproductive health; namely, HIV/AIDS/RTIs, Gender and Sexuality, Gender-based Violence, and Family Planning and Fertility Regulation. The fifth section of the InfoPack is a review of related websites. Each section contains summaries of resource materials with complete bibliographic listings, and indicates how to acquire a complete hard copy of the material.
Proceedings of the 2nd Regional Consultation on Reproductive Tract Infections in Asia and the Pacific
This consultation-workshop was conducted in May 1997 in Cavite, Philippines and was attended by delegates from Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Vanuatu, Indonesia, China, USA, Fiji and the Philippines. It presents the discussion on why reproductive tract infections are a serious problem among women in terms of biomedical and psychosocial consequences. This proceeding also shows what is being done and how the region responds to these problems.
The Current Reproductive Health Concerns Series
The Current Reproductive Health Concerns (CRHC) series is published by the Gender, Reproductive Health and Population Policies (GRHPP) Project. This project is an international, action-research initiative coordinated by the Health Action Information Network (HAIN) in the Philippines, the Medical Anthropology Unit (MAU) of the University of Amsterdam, and the College of the Southern Border (ECOSUR) in Mexico.
The GRHPP project aims to generate innovative knowledge about women’s and men’s needs regarding reproductive health services. Its data and conclusions provide evidence to help improve these services and to influence the development of reproductive technologies in such a way that they protect women’s health and uphold women’s rights to a free and well-informed choice. The direct participation of the target group—users of fertility-regulating technologies and reproductive health services—in action-research projects is a key aspect of defining more need-oriented development interventions in the field of reproductive health.
Shattering the Myths: A Primer on HIV/AIDS and the Filipinos
Shattering the Myths looks closely into HIV/AIDS and the Filipino and helps shatter the numerous myths about HIV/AIDS. Aside from answering common questions about its biomedical aspects, this book also tackles important social, ethical, and cultural issues relating to the epidemic, and helps us see beyond the virus and the cold statistics of AIDS cases. This book is published and distributed by Anvil Publishing, Inc.
From Words to Action
This was produced as a guide to the 4th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific which was held in Manila in October 1997 and to the 12th World AIDS Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland in July 1998. This documentation presents the main issues tackled at the two conferences, which include topics on antiretrovirals, barriers, HIV and development, reproductive health concerns, and partnerships. It highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the current responses to HIV/AIDS pandemic whether in the area of biomedical research or health education. It seeks to “re-center” the discussion on HIV/AIDS back to communities and people most affected by HIV/AIDS.
Understanding HIV/AIDS
This manual is one of the products of HAIN’s workshops on HIV/AIDS, featuring the most common questions asked by participants. They reflect many of the concerns found among non-health professionals. We have been encouraged by the concern people have, not just on the medical aspects of HIV, but also on its social, ethical and moral issues. The format of this manual reflects HAIN’s own teaching philosophy, one that avoids fear tactics, sensationalism and dry technical lectures. Instead, HAIN believes in an interactive approach that draws on people’s own experiences and interests.
The Social and Cultural Context of Reproductive Tract Infections in the Philippines (1995-1997)
This research was conducted from 1995 to 1996 in six Philippine cities: Manila, Bontoc, Iloilo, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato as part of a Ford Foundation-supported project.
The research is qualitative in nature, involving in-depth interviews with key informants (health professionals, traditional practitioners) and at least four focused group discussions in each area with men and women of different age groups. This monograph, which is an output of the research, presents several studies on reproductive tract infections in the Philippines and many other reproductive health problems.
Medicines: Meanings and Contexts
This book is a compilation of 16 articles on problems relating to the use of medicines in different parts of the world. The first section deals with perceptions and interpretations of pharmaceuticals, emphasizing the need to understand these interpretations as they relate to other understandings of health and illness. The second section focuses on the use of injections and moves the discussion to the broader social milieu that shapes the meanings of medicines. The third section deals with the accessibility of pharmaceuticals and how they are managed in households. The fourth section offers applied perspectives, showing how research can be used to evaluate drug problems and develop interventions that seek to promote more appropriate use of medicines. The book ends with an overview that explores key issues for evaluating the social and cultural aspects of drug use. This book reveals the wide range of research paradigms and methodologies that can be used in examining the use of medicines and in searching for appropriate policies to address the problems.
Problem Drugs
This book provides a starting point for discussions on the issue of pharmaceutical drugs. It points out that what makes a drug a problem is not so much its inherent pharmacological risks, but the way it is prescribed and used. HAIN was commissioned to produce the Philippine edition of this book, which was first published in 1986 by Health Action International.
Confronting Ill-Health: Medicines, Self-care and the Poor in Manila (1991)
This book describes the role of pharmaceuticals in self-care in two urban poor communities in Metro Manila: one with a community-based health program and the other without. People’s ideas about drug use, including concepts of illness causation, drug efficacy and criteria for choice of therapy, are analyzed.
The Philippine’s National Drug Policy is described in this book and assessed in relation to problems found in the communities. Attempts of non-governmental organizations to rationalize drug use are evaluated, with useful warnings on the limitations of “alternatives” such as the promotion of medicinal plants.
The study utilized participatory research methods, from the use of health calendars to role-playing. Suggestions for community-based research, with constant feedback to communities through appropriate educational materials have also been included.
Three Infant Lives
This book features three stories of brief infant lives—lives that could have easily passed into obscurity like the thousands of other infants who die each year. The case studies show how each life, however brief, impacts the lives of parents, relatives and members of the community.
Guide to Rational Drug Use Volumes 1 & 2
This documents the proceedings of the workshops on Essential Drugs Policy and Rational Drug Use, which was sponsored by HAIN in coordination with Philippine Drug Action Network. The workshops discuss highly technical subjects from staff members involved in primary heath care and community based health programs. The topics include the politics of pharmacology, drugs legislation, generic and branded drugs, adverse drugs reactions, and community monitoring, among others.
Dying for Drugs
This book, a product of research, questions common assumptions regarding the contribution of drugs and the drug industry to the nation’s health, both in the medical and in the economic sense. It explains why Filipinos are dying for drugs: paying for ineffective and unsafe nostrums while not being able to afford essential drugs. The book also touches on the politics of pharmacology—the dynamics of government, industry, health professionals and consumers engaged in power play. It explains the importance of adopting a National Drug Policy to solve this problem, without losing sight of the need to re-orient the entire health care system. The publication of the book was made possible through a grant from Freres des Hommes (Belgium).
Caring Enough to Cure: Diagnosing the Disease-Poverty Syndrome
This book offers a diagnosis of the Philippine health delivery system—a difficult but important task considering its critical state. In a layperson’s terms, this book seeks to explain the facts behind the cold figures of morbidity, mortality and malnutrition. It reexamines myths surrounding health and medicine, challenging medical elitism and the compulsion to equate effective health care with miracle drug cures, high-rise hospitals and high-tech medical gadgets—all of which do exist in the Philippines even as the health problems remain basically unchanged over the last decades. This book was produced on the premise that health and illness are social phenomena, determined not just by germs, but also by economics and political will.
Restoring Health Care to the People
The result of a series of snap symposia launched after the snap revolution of 1986, this book presents information on the health care system in the Philippines. It emphasizes the role of popular participation in legislation, community-based health programs, and educational campaigns on specific issues, and is based on the assumption that health is a basic human right which can be achieved only when people realize that the achievement of health is also a responsibility that must involve the public and private sectors, health professionals, and workers as well as the lay person.