2005 Philippine HIV and AIDS Country Profile (2005)

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.

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.

These case studies are not meant to be full-blown analyses of these organizations’ practices and experiences; rather, they are meant to provide a broad glimpse into the various responses and strategies that these various organizations have employed. The case studies cover three aspects of HIV/AIDS responses—advocacy, prevention and care and support.

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. This endeavor was supported by the UNAIDS and the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC).

Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior and Practices on HIV/AIDS Among Filipino Youth and Health Workers (2005)

The project aims to look at how today’s young people’s knowledge, attitude and behavior on SRH is influenced by other factors such as family relations, social influences, media exposure and involvement in non-sexual risk behaviors. It also looks at the delivery of reproductive health services to the youth, the availability and accessibility of youth-friendly services in health centers.

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. This research was supported by the UNICEF.

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 survey of youth aged 12-20 in the 12 UNICEF project sites brought up some interesting findings on the level of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of young people regarding HIV/AIDS, condom, their sexual practice and utilization of reproductive health services.

Knowledge of HIV, AIDS and condom increases with age, and is high among those with high education and in school adolescents. Sixteen percent of youths in the survey are sexually active. More young people from the major urban cities have engaged in sex. The sexual activities include oral sex, anal sex, penetrative sex and same-sex sex. Condom use however is still low among sexually active youth. Results also show that younger youth are likely to use condom the first time, and this improved slightly with higher number of older youth using condom in their last sexual episode.

When it comes to attitude towards condom, both youth and healthworkers can be classified as conservative. About 40 percent of youth and healthworkers believe that discussing condoms among youth only promotes promiscuity. Even among healthworkers, a substantial 17 percent agreed to the statement that using condom is sign of not trusting one’s partner. To the extent that their own perception affects how they go about their business of providing services to young people, such attitude could be taken as an indicator of healthworkers’ willingness to provide condom to young people.

Similarly, the youth survey also found that there is greater confidence among young women to negotiate for condom use and decide on the timing and choice of their sexual partner, as well as discussing sexual issues with health service providers. This is a good indication that young people, especially the girls are becoming aware of their rights as regards information on sex related issues.

Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS) Study (2001-2004)

In collaboration with the Development Research Development Foundation of the UP Population Institute (DRDF-UPPI) and with support from The David and Lucille Packard Foundation, HAIN implements the qualitative research phase of the 3 rd Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS3) study. The quantitative phase (nationwide survey) is being implemented by the UPPI.

Aside from conducting interviews, HAIN is also tasked to help analyze in the results of the study, and assist in media relations and data dissemination activities of the project.

Before the start of the UPPI survey, HAIN conducted several focused group discussions (FGDs) among male & female young adults. Data from the FGDs were used to identify appropriate questions for the nationwide survey. The FGDs were conducted in Quezon City, Pasig, Baguio, Iloilo, Davao and Cotabato in December 2001. The FGD topics include life stages, early marriage, relationships, substance use and abuse, religiosity and sexuality, and gender and homosexuality. Results of the FGDs are now continuously being analyzed for more in-depth information.

In year two of YAFS3, HAIN has conducted in-depth interviews among young parents 20 years old and below. A total of 20 interviews were conducted from October to December 2002 in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Iloilo, Davao and small towns in Isabela and Laguna.

In 2003, HAIN conducted interviews on marriage, cohabitation, and children of OFWs in Tacloban and Bicol. HAIN also conducted a case study-survey among house helpers in two subdivisions in Pasig and Quezon City. The survey is supplemented with FGDs and in-depth interviews among the household helpers.

HAIN maintains a separate database for selected resource materials relevant to youth and sexuality. It continues to log materials on young people and sexuality that can be used as reference in research reports.

Moreover, HAIN utilizes YAFS data in some of the staff’s speaking engagements and publications. For instance, the last issue of AIDS Action Asia Pacific (Young People at Risk, issue number 52, released March 2003) looks at the risks and consequences of early sexual activity among Asian youth, focusing on risky behavior to contracting HIV. Likewise, YAFS data was also included in the 2002 HIV/AIDS Country Profile, which HAIN produced for the UNAIDS and Philippine National AIDS Council. Young people are one of the particular high-risk population groups that the document identified.

With HAIN’s present involvement in the YAFS 3 project, HAIN reinforces its role in youth research and advocacy work. HAIN is actively being invited to participate in youth-oriented activities and functions.

Research on the Health Status of the RVM Sisters (2003)

This research project documented health-related issues experienced by the Sisters of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) and analyzed factors that are precursor to their illnesses. Based on the results of the study, this research project recommended what health programs RVM could develop for the well being of the Sisters.

Recognizing that there is health problem among the Sisters, the RVM would like to develop a holistic health care program that would ensure a quality life and welfare among the Sisters. Improving the health situation of the Sisters would enable them to give better service to their mission.

The primary method of investigation was an interview-guided survey adopted from two large validated population studies—the Baseline National Objectives for Health Survey of the National Institute of Health and Department of Health, and the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

There were a total of 155 respondents among the Sisters, coming from all regions and with ages from 25 to 85. The survey covered various dimensions of health including health perceptions, behaviors, illnesses, and other psychosocial and spiritual aspects of health. The study also shed light on the role of information as a central motivating force in moving toward a state of health, fulfillment, and well-being.

Moreover, this project utilized a participatory approach in which the RVM Sisters were trained to conduct interviews and gather data so that after this particular project they could develop the necessary skills needed to conduct a similar or expanded study.

The study started in March 2003 and the final report was submitted in February 2004. Although the RVM initiative could be a good model for other religious groups to increase health awareness and promotion, the data and ownership of the report remains with the RVM Sisters and may not be used without permission. Dr. Henri dela Cruz, former HAIN staff and now connected with the Ateneo Biology Department, spearheaded the writing of the report.

HIV/AIDS Philippine 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 profile begins with a look on 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.

Measuring Drug Prices in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (2002)

This research project was financially supported by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Netherlands Government, and by the WHO-Essential Drugs and Medicines (WHO-EDM) Policy Department.

The centerpiece of the collaboration was the development of a simple but sound technology for sampling retail prices of a short list of drugs. The principal component elements comprising the retail price (manufacturer’s selling price of tender price, tariffs, taxes, distribution costs and mark-ups) were also identified. Once tested and refined, it will publish and promote the use of this methodology in different settings, and will make comparisons over time and across countries of price levels and their composition.

Initial field-testing of the sampling and data collection methodology took place in July-October 2001 in Kenya, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Armenia. As a result of these experiences, changes were made to the sampling method and the list of drug prices to be collected. Aside from the Philippines, the second and final round of field tests in Peru, Ghana, Pakistan and Cameroon were completed in June 2002. The project is set to expand to a larger number of countries in all WHO regions.

A Matter of Time: HIV/AIDS and Development in the Philippines (2000)

This study, under the Increasing Awareness and Understanding of the Development Implications of HIV/AIDS (DEV-AIDS) project, aimed for a deeper understanding of HIV/AIDS, looking at it not only in biomedical terms but also in a more encompassing perspective that examines how HIV/AIDS will impact on economic growth, life expectancy, poverty, and community and family life.

This project sought to provide the needed cornerstone for more effective and realistic interventions, anchored on a deeper understanding of what the disease means 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 has 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 the country may 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.

This study was commissioned by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the United National Development Programme (UNDP).

HIV/AIDS Philippine Country Profile 2000

This research project looked at the many different factors that shape risks at both the individual and societal levels, drawing on research in epidemiology, economics and anthropology to evaluate where the Philippines is and where it is headed with regard to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

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.

Natural Family Planning (1999)

HAIN noted that the promotion of natural family planning (NFP) has been weak in terms of funding support and installation of training and education programs and services. Hence, it is not surprising that only one percent of family planning users in the Philippines practice NFP. In coordination with the Department of Health, with support from Georgetown University, HAIN conducted a policy review of NFP to look into why there is a gap between policy and practice on NFP and how this gap affects its usage. The study also identified factors that enable as well as hinder the development and implementation of the government’s NFP programs. The project reviewed policies related to NFP by obtaining different perspectives from policy makers and NFP practitioners.

The Social and Cultural Context of Reproductive Tract Infections in the Philippines (1995-1997)

The research was conducted from 1995 to 1996 in six cities: Manila, Bontoc, Iloilo, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato, as part of a Ford Foundation-supported project.

The research was 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.

Young Adult Sexuality (1995-1997)

HAIN’s young adult sexuality study was supported by the UNAIDS (then called WHO Global Program on AIDS). The research project was conducted in two sites, Metro Manila and Iloilo, and involved different groups based on sex, age and socio-economic status. The project, which used qualitative research methods, has been useful in generating new insights into old problems. It was found, for example that the family is extremely weak in terms of providing much-needed information for young adults about sex and sexuality, forcing them to get information (or misinformation) from their peer groups and the media.

The project concentrated on risk perceptions relating to sex, finding that risk perceptions related mainly to pregnancy occurring before marriage, built around fears of not being economically prepared and the “shame” of a pregnancy. All this, however needs to be taken in context since the prospects of marriage is, in many instances, the reason for premarital sex itself (e.g. to express love or as a final step before marriage). The study also presented with a report that relates risk perception to STDs and HIV/AIDS. The result of the study was presented in a press conference in February 1997.

Community Perception on Family Planning (1995),

This HAIN research concentrated on perceptions regarding family planning. Sponsored by AusAID, the project involved data gathering in Metro Manila, Iloilo, Marawi, Iligan and Nueva Ecija. The data was extensive and generated new insights on family planning needs. For example, the fear of side effects was identified as a major issue, not just as a reason for non-use, but also as a major concern by women who use contraceptives. Many of these concerns go beyond the contraceptives and relate to their life situation and relationships. The study was also able to probe into popular perceptions regarding the relationship between population and development, and the roles of the State and the Roman Catholic Church as regards family planning.

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 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 were also included.

Dying for Drugs: Pill Power and Politics in the Philippines (1988)

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).