Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Peer Educator's Training for PLHIV


Be part of the 
NATIONAL POOL OF PEER EDUCATORS FOR PLHIV TRAINED BY 
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The Department of Health, through the National AIDS STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP) under the Infectious Disease Office (IDO) of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC), 
invites applicants for the 
TRAINING ON PEER EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV (PLHIV) on 
November 2012. 


Details of the training will be sent to the qualified applicants. 

To qualify, he/she must:

1. be a PLHIV
2. be empowered and actively involved in support groups or care and support organization
3. have at least one year experience/involvement in providing care and support services to PLHIV
4. have good writing / speaking skills
5. be capable of preparing client profile and narrative report of client intervention
6. have undergone training on HIV 101, RA 8504, and Sex, Gender and Sexuality
7. be articulate in Tagalog and English (or local dialect)
8. have a spirit of volunteerism

Requirements:

1. Application letter addressed to Dr. Jose Gerard B. Belimac, Program Manager, NASPCP
2. Essay on unforgettable experience(s) as a peer educator. State issues and how these were addressed. 
3. Recommendation/Endorsement from Superior / Head of Organization and 2 peers/colleagues
4. Supporting documents for training attended

Considerations for Selection of Applicants: 

Knowledge:

• Basic counseling with emphasis on transference and countertransference 
• Updated on HIV epidemiology (local and global)
• Updated on programs implemented by national government and NGOs
• aware of referral mechanism
• Has basic knowledge on HIV and STI, ART, RA 8504,TCS services
• Must be familiar with illicit drugs and drug use (specially for PLHIV/PWID)
• Must be familiar with human anatomy
• has undergone formal training on peer education and group facilitation

Skills:

• Capable of preparing client profile and activity report 
   Articulate in Tagalog and English (or local dialect)

Atttitude:

• must have self-confidence
• must be gender and age-sensitive
• client – centered approach
• Sensitive, emphatic, open-minded, good listener, good communicator,  trustworthy
• must follow ethical standards of a peer educator
• Committed to serve peers on a voluntary basis

Responsibility of a PLHIV Peer Educator 

a. Deal not just with health but also psychological aspects of health 
b. Could mobilize the community and empowerment initiatives that could evolve into community health educator or integrated programming
c. Information Dissemination and gathering of information
    i. Reporting 
    ii. Monitoring and Evaluation 
        - Forms 
        - Basic narrative report in managing clients
d. How to deal with people holistically
    i. Self awareness
        - Values
        - Attitudes 
        - Personal Needs 
        - Ethical standards 
        - Stress management 
    ii. Interpersonal communication skills
        - Facilitating skills 
        - Negotiation skills
    iii. Psycho social needs
    iv. Basic health needs / life support
        - Basic home-based care 
        - Basic life support 
e. Organizing and building a support group including mentoring of support group establish by peer educators 
f. Responsibility to self

Interested applicants must submit all documents on or before Sunday, September 30, 2012 to: 

Peer Education for PLHIV Training Secretariat
National AIDS STI Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP)
3rd Floor, Bldg. 14
Department of Health
San Lazaro Compound
Sta. Cruz, Manila 
(632) 495-0149

or through email at naspcp@yahoo.com



"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

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We Need Your Help!

Everyday, ten to fifteen new HIV patients are seen in RITM-ARG in Alabang and half of them are indigent. Some have problems with even basic transportation fares, some have financial difficulties when it comes to buying medicines for their infections. Others can't afford the hospitalization bills and lab tests for infections.

The Love Fund Group has been trying to help these people. Everyday they try to find ways on how to give them medical assistance. They try to look for foundations and government agencies so that treatment will be provided.

However, patients keep on coming in and asking for help.

In lieu of this, I am calling all PLHIV's who are being provided service by RITM-ARG, to donate any amount every time they come to visit the treatment hub. We all have been given FREE ARV's, FREE labs and FREE consultation in the treatment hub and it is about time that we should all join hands in helping our fellow indigent PLHIV's who are needing medical assistance. There are 25-50 patients who are going to the hub everyday and if only everyone can give even P50 each visit, then for one day, one person can be helped with medicines for his or her infections and for his or her lab tests.

We are all in this together and we only have each other to lean on.

Once again I am calling on all PLHIV's of RITM-ARG. Give donations to Maram Bartolome or Ate Beth for The Love Fund when you visit the hub, when it's time for your refill, labs and CD4. Your help will go a long, long way!

Thank you so much!




"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 


Email 88: About HIV, Back Pains and Stem Cell Therapy


Hi Pozzie,

It's me again, been a while since we last updated you about my boyfriend's case. He already had all his tests done at Jose B Lingad Memorial Hospital in Pampanga City. All his results turned out to be good and healthy except for the HIV test which has not come out until today.


Farewell "Johannes"



"Johannes" is resting in peace now. Thank you for all your prayers and messages of support that you all had given him and his family.

Let's make his "new journey" something positive for all of us. Let's all talk about HIV today. Tell one or two people that you love to get an HIV test. Give messages of hope to those who are living with HIV. Give a hug to a PLHIV. Text all your friends and direct them to any free HIV testing sites. Promote HIV testing in twitter, facebook and all social networking sites. Donate to any HIV organization.

Today, let us all celebrate Johannes' passing away by giving a chance for others to live.


Please read my past blog entries about Johannes:

1. Asking for Prayers
2. The Great Miracle Has Happened
3. A Letter of Hope, Courage and Love




"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 




Email 87: On HIV Confirmatory and Oral Ulcers


Hi Mr. Pozzie. 

This is XXX, a maria-clarang pa-girl. I was a virgin until one November day in 2009, I had anal s*x with a cute stranger. Well, he was gazing at me so I could not stop my urges then. What a waste was that day coz I didn't really enjoy. Too bad. O_o. 

In May 2011, I had german measles so my doctor suspected that I had contracted HIV already. I took the HIV test and got non-reactive results. Few months ago, I engaged in some sexual activities but they were all low-risk (I did some research). However, I developed occasional oral ulcers, which are now persistent as they don't seem to go away. I went to an ENT doctor who asked me to get an HIV test, which turned out to be REACTIVE. O_o!!!!! The person at the laboratory told me to wait for my confirmatory test, whose results I will only find out in one or two months. I did some further research and learned that oral ulcers are symptoms for the third stage. What do I do???!!!

Short Summary

Last Sexual Activity: September 2012
Last High-risk Sexual Activity: November 2009
HIV Tests & Results:
May 2011: Non-reactive
Oct 2012: Reactive, waiting for confirmation
Symptoms: Occasional, but now persistent, Oral Ulcers

What I want to find out is what clinical stage I'm in. I want to have some clues about this. And apparently, I can't wait for my confirmatory test if my life's already in danger by now. >_<

I also want to find out if my HIV could advance to Clinical Stage III or IV asap. I found out, on the net, that Stage II lasts for about 8-10 years so how could I get to Stage III that fast?

XXX


POZZIEPINOY'S REPLY

Hi XXX,

Thank you for your email. 

Let me answer your questions in the order that you asked them.

 About the HIV Confirmatory Result

 That is the dilemma of the HIV Test here in the Philippines. In almost all testing sites, once the rapid test turns out positive, one has to wait for 2 weeks up to 2 months (this happens mostly in provinces). Sad, because instead of moving forward, instead of taking immediate steps, the suspected PLHIV has to wait for this long. That is why I always recommend people to take the test in RITM Satellite Clinic in Malate because in just a matter of 2 hours, the result will come out and the result is already accepted as a confirmatory result because two tests are being done there. 

 I just talked to Dr. Ditangco, the head of RITM-ARG and she said that you really have to wait for your confirmatory test. However, she advised to get treatment for your oral ulcers first while waiting for the confirmatory. She said that either you go to any hospital or an HIV treatment hub near you. Now in case, the HIV treatment hub is not open minded, won't accept you and would still require the confirmatory result prior to consultation, Dr. Ditangco said to go to RITM-ARG in Alabang and they would accommodate you and give you the best advice on how to address your medical concerns.
About the Clinical Staging of HIV/AIDS

It is easy to speculate and jump into conclusions from what we read over the internet. Always remember that each individual is unique and that the effects of HIV vary from one person to another. Some PLHIV's experience the symptoms of weakened immune system in just 1 or 2 years, others after 5 years or more. I know some PLHIV's who have high CD4 counts (level of your immune system) for decades and still not taking ARV's up to now. I even know some PLHIV's with a single digit CD4 and they are not even sickly at all. It really is a case to case basis.

I am proud of you for doing your researches, however, you have to do concrete actions now. I strongly advice you to get an opinion from an HIV doctor who has experience with HIV in the country. You can find the best HIV doctors in the HIV treatment hubs in the country, so please seek advice as soon as possible. By doing so, by having a doctor come into the picture, you can partner with him or her in monitoring your health status and you won't be groping in the dark anymore for questions.

 Be in Control

 Focus on what you can control. Don't let HIV control you, instead while you are still capable, be in control of HIV.

 1. Be proactive about your health. 
2. While waiting for your confirmatory, get treatment for your oral ulcers.
3. Consult an HIV doctor in a treatment hub near you to get good advice.
4. Empower yourself by reading everything about HIV. Know the real scenario especially here in the country.

"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

PLHIV Story: My Experience with RITM-ARG


Hi Pozziepinoy,

As promised, here is my experience with RITM-ARG when I went there last August.

Anyways for those who don't know, I was diagnosed as HIV positive and my story was recently shared in this blog too : Email78: Another OFW Story.

RITM-ARG New Schedules



IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

RITM-ARG wishes to inform the public that
all PLHIV'S who want to avail of 
CD4 Testing and Consultations 
will have to follow their
NEW SCHEDULES
 starting

NOVEMBER 5, 2012

The new schedule is as follows:


 BLOOD EXTRACTION FOR CD4 TESTING 

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 
from
7am to 8am only

FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED BASIS, for new PLHIV's
For returning PLHIV's, make sure to 
call RITM-ARG first for scheduling of the test.

RITM-ARG CLINIC HOURS

Mondays to Fridays
8am to 3pm


Approved for Posting:
Dr. Ditangco, Head of RITM-ARG
Maram Bartolome, RITM-ARG Clinical Staff


"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Monday, October 29, 2012

Email 86: "Is HIV Treatment Expensive?"


Hi Pozziepinoy,

I stumbled upon your blog last night and I thank god for people like you.
I tested positive sometime ago, I found out incidentally after I applied for a loan which required me to have the test. I could not believe it as I am completely healthy. I threw and burned the paper carrying the bad news. I was in denial but was never at peace. I am still healthy but I'd like to get treated if it's the way to deal with this. 

Email 85: "The Changes in Me"

Hi POZZIE,

I have been reading your blogs about HIV positivism, about encouragements and about your own experiences regarding the disease. I must say, somehow, I feel related to those who are battling with the disease, including you. Four months ago I had an anal-sex intercourse with a guy whose at the same age as me (19). I got a fever a week later a really serious fever. Then I started having anxiety about my possible HIV infection.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

PP Prayer's List 11


The Love Fund: October 2012 Report




Maram Bartolome of RITM-ARG in Alabang just sent me an email about the patients that have been helped by The Love Fund.

Here is the list for October 2012:
  1. HIV with PTB:was assisted with TB meds and vaccinations
  2. HIV: asssited with meds and transportation
  3. HIV who was confined: was assisted with IV fluids and meds
  4. HIV with suspected cryptomeningitis: assisted with all laboratory tests and meds
  5. 2 HIV patients: was assited with registration fees
  6. HIV: was assisted with topical cream
  7. HIV: was assisted with meds and transportation for 2 days and food allowance
  8. HIV who was confined: was assisted with medicines, CSR charges and ABG revenue upon admission
  9. HIV: was assisted with meds and transportation
For this month, a patient was assisted by the Love Fund Group (LFG) thru PCSO:

1. HIV with multiple infections who was confined in RITM for 2 months, got his pledge letter from PCSO worth P130,000. The LFG provided all the medical documents and one of the staff personally went to PCSO to be interviewed on behalf of the patient.


To all those who have helped and who are still planning to donate to The Love Fund, thank you so much. Always remember that your donations are REALLY going to indigent HIV patients who can't afford treatment.


For more information about The Love Fund, please check out the link: The Love Fund


"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-


© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

Credits: 



Email 84: On Tuberculosis and Hepatitis


Hi Pozziepinoy,

Ask ko lang, kasi my brother-in-law is HIV positive. He also has TB (tuberculosis) pero nag take na siya ng gamot sa TB halos 1 month na, ung SGPT at SGOT results nya sobrang taas, pero wala naman daw sinabi ang doctor kung may hepatitis ba siya. I am just worried kasi my 10 year old son is palaging nasa bahay nila at palagi nyang binibigyan ng natitira niyang pagkain. May tendency ba na mahawa ung anak ko?


Email 83: Worried Woman


Hello! 

I am 30 years old. Female. I had sex with a foreigner without using a condom. Sabi naman nya na test na sya many times and negative naman daw. Pero feeling ko na naparanoid ako. (TRANSLATION: He said that he got tested many times and he is negative. But I feel paranoid).

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Donate to TRR Love Fund


A. The primary objective of the TRR Love Fund is to help the indigent and less fortunate people living with HIV/AIDS. The primary mission of TRR Love Fund is to provide medical support for treatment of opportunistic infections (OI), laboratory tests and hospitalization costs of ill patients. The project accepts cash and/or in-kind donations.


Everyday, The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation Inc. (TRR) assists PLHIV brothers and sisters in different HIV and AIDS Treatment hubs who are confined in the hospital, needing medical and financial support for their hospitalization bills, medicines and lab tests. Some don't have relatives, some families can't afford the continuance of care.

 Now with TRR Love Fund, YOU CAN HELP. With TRR Love Fund, YOU CAN HELP US HELP THEM!

 B. The TRR Love Fund also provides assistance to the TRR Kalinga Program. It is the volunteer arm of The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation. Our volunteers have the heart and time to help but they are limited because of financial constraints. Through TRR Love Fund, we can assist these HEROES to give a helping hand to those who are in need: for counseling, guidance and assistance in the different HIV and AIDS Treatment Hubs.

 I know everyone of you wants to help, but don't have the time. You can now help others by donating!

If you want to donate:

1. Deposit your cash donations to:

                BDO Savings Account Number: 7070065229
                Account Name:  Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation Inc
            
2. Also accepting donations in kind.

    a. Medicines for OI Prophylaxis
        i. Cotrimoxazole -800mg
        ii. Azithromycin -250mg and 500 mg
    b. Milk formula and diapers for 1-3 year old patients
    c. Fluconazole (for oral thrush)
    d. anti TB medicines
 
4. We also accept medical supply donations:
    a. face masks
    b. wheelchair (new or used)
    
For inquiries please email at info@projectredribbon.org
Monthly updates on the beneficiaries of the LOVE FUND will be posted in my blog.

Thank you so much!


IMPORTANT NOTICE TO DONORS

CASH DONATIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTLY DEPOSITED  
ONLY TO THE BANCO DE ORO ACCOUNT SPECIFIED ABOVE 
For complaints, please email at info@projectredribbon.org
© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012



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Email 82: Take the HIV Test Again!


Hello Pozziepinoy,

I was reading about your blog for the past couple of weeks I find it very helpful especially for me.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Help The Needy!

Last night, Ate Beth (one of the good hearted RITM-ARG staff) texted me and she asked if we can help a PLHIV who has visual problems and has visible skin diseases. She told me that the patient was accompanied in RITM by his 70 year old aunt.

When he told her his story, of how PGH didn't admit him and how a poz friend who previously attended the Self Empowerment Training (SET) conducted by RITM, recommended RITM for him to ask for help, Ate Beth said it really broke her heart. Unfortunately, the PLHIV got scared to be confined as he has no job and with unupdated PhilHealth. The doctor who checked him out said that the cost of his medicines would reach P9,000 per day. Scared about his bills, without asking anybody, he and his aunt left the hospital.

Email 81: ARV's and Time Zones


Hello Pozziepinoy,

It's me again.  Am in Manila now and would be flying out by November XXX.  Still have not been with the doctor in PGH-SAGIP as she only goes for consultation once a week.  Will keep you posted, if you don't mind.  

Email 80: Will I Lose Weight?


Hi Pozziepinoy. 

I am a newly diagnosed person living with HIV. I just received my confirmatory last week and my baseline tests this week. According to the doctor I'm okay. My CD4 count  is 590. Is this number something I should be happy about? Will I be able to increase it?


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Email 79: Encouraged To Take the Test


Dear Pozziepinoy,

Hi. I've come across your blog after searching about HIV. I've been reading your blog for almost a week and I admire the way you empower people, not only those who are pozzies, but also those who are in a dilemma whether to take the test or not. 

I, myself, have been encouraged to take another test a few days ago, and gladly, the result was negative. I had my regular tests done at 12 weeks, 3 months, and 7 months (the last of which was done a few days ago) after my last possible exposure. 

Email 78: One More OFW Story


Hi Pozziepinoy,

Just had my screening test yesterday at XXX hospital and the result is reactive. They took enough samples anyways for confirmatory test, was told that I have to wait for  a week or more.

Just like with the previous email sender i am an OFW too working in XXX. I also rushed back here in Philippines last week when the HIV test result from one clinic I had had been pending for a day. I got the hint from there. I've heard of stories with HIV positive guys being accosted by police to airport to be deported.


Monday, October 22, 2012

CBCP HIV AVP






© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

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Sunday, October 21, 2012

Email 77: Climbing ALT and AST


Hi Pozziepinoy, 

 I am very thankful to God for coming across your blog.

  I am writing to ask you about the ARVs which I started a month ago. I have the same set -efavirenz, lamivudine, and tenofovir. I have adhered to the scheduled timing and dosage for a month and thank God I have not encountered the side effects except for the dizziness in the morning due to efavirenz.

Email 76: Fever with Nevirapine


Hi Pozziepinoy,

I've been inspired reading your stories this made me send you an email.

I was on the trial period of taking nevirapine and on the 8yh day I felt an adverse side effect. I was struck with high fever for the past 3 days. 39'C was my temp most of the time. I stopped
nevirapine and continued the other drugs. 

Email 75: Afraid and Ashamed


Dear Mr./Ms. Pozzie,

I stumbled on your blog while googling "I'm scared that I might have HIV" and I find it very educational. 

I know that the most accurate solution to my email's question would be to undergo a test but I just want to hear what you have to say. 

An Explanatory Report on HIV and AIDS in the Philippines

Friday, October 19, 2012

Email 74: Fight With All Your Might!

Hi Pozziepinoy, 

Got no friends that will cheer me up in the midst of this sickness. I was diagnosed early this year and in terminal stage (I guess). My CD4 is 14 only, though my mind is fighting to live a normal life and be able to recover by taking those meds. My family supports me well though I only gave them limited infos, for them not to feel down with my situation. I lost my good job because of this and I am beginning to feel depressed. 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Asking For Your Prayers


I am asking again for all your prayers. Another pozzie will be confined in one of the hospitals tomorrow. The friend who communicated with me said that the pozzie is so weak now and he feels that he needs to be confined in a hospital and be seen by HIV specialists. I communicated with the people of the hospital and they are expecting him tomorrow.

I know there are good hearted people out there who will help me say a prayer for him tonight and for the next days until he becomes well again. I know if we join our hands and our hearts, he will recover soon.

Like what I always say, WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER, and NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!

In behalf of the PLHIV and all his friends who love him so much, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!





© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Email 73: Working Abroad Dilemma

Hi Pozzie,

It's me again. I'm the one who raised the question regarding blood transfusion thing last week. Until now, I have not received any call/text/letter from the blood to tell me that they have found something. I am actually trying to consider having myself tested in our social hygienic clinic even if I know those who are working there. At the same time, I am also planning to have my test in Manila since I'm going to Manila soon. 

Email 72: Concerned About His Partner


Hi Pozziepinoy, 

I've been reading your blogposts and motivated by the different stories you are sharing on your site.

I'm currently living with an HIV pos partner. We've been together for 5 years though there were times that we broke up and just reunited back.
My partner is the type of person who just go with the flow in life, after he was diagnosed back in XXX 2012 nothing much had changed in terms of his health and of his outlook in life. I still see him having the same out look the same as before he was diagnosed. (I'm not sure though if it's a sign of strength or a sign of giving up).


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

P130K Guaranteed by PCSO

Dr. Ditangco and Ate Beth coordinated with me regarding a patient who was confined for 2 months in RITM. The patient is a PLHIV with multiple infections and has been confined in the hospital for 2 months. It was reported to me that the hospital can't pay for the medicines of the patient, even provide the patient with dextrose. The Staff of RITM-ARG started to mobilize the Love Fund (TLF) however TLF can't provide all the medicines of the patient. Because of this we decided to ask the help of PCSO.