Living with HIV in the Philippines

The official blog of The Project Red Ribbon Care Management Foundation, Inc. (TRR).

  • TRR LOVE FUND

    TRR Love Fund is the arm of the foundation which provides medical assistance to the financially challenged PLHIV.

  • Care assistance for HIV Test

    The Care Assistant Program involves assistance to HIV testing and HIV and AIDS Treatment hubs in the Philippines. Our volunteers schedule the client to the clinic or hub, assist with the procedure in the clinic or hub and conduct peer counseling

  • HOTLINE ASSISTANCE

    With the TRR Hotline Numbers, our volunteers answer concerns and inquiries about HIV and AIDS, do counselling, refers clients to nearest HIV Testing facility, HIV and AIDS Treatment Hub and government and NGO organizations for support

  • PEER COUNSELING

    The foundation volunteers conduct one-on-one counseling either on the phone or in person. They also conduct group counseling

  • SUPPORT GROUP TALK

    The support group talk (SGT) is a program that involves giving HIV lectures by guest speakers, discuss topics about HIV, care, treatment and support, discussion issues related to HIV

  • OUTREACH PROGRAM

    The foundation's outreach program is geared towards providing support to our fellow PLHIV's in the HIV and AIDS Treatment Hubs. Volunteers hand out of donations of medicines and special gifts to PLHIV, give inspirational talks by invited guests to a group of PLHIV, bonding over snacks or meal, visit the sick who are confined in the hospital

  • Referral System

    As part of treatment, the foundation's referral program involves our volunteers referring clients to specialized doctors who are HIV friendly. The foundation has it's own list of specialty doctors of low cost for the indigent PLHIV.

  • Online Support Group

    The foundation has a private Online Support Group in facebook. This group of advocates, supporters, counselors, health Workers and PLHIV

  • Home Health

    Aside from client counselling, the foundation volunteers also do family counselling and home visitation for awareness and continuance of care.

  • Health Fitness

    The foundation believes in holistic approach to treatment and care, thus inclusion of these programs: yoga, dance, swimming, jogging and running, boot camp workouts

  • EVENTS

    As part of awareness and education program, the foundation organizes its own national events to coincide with the international AIDS events: World AIDS Day and International AIDS Candlelight Memorial

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

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Pozziepinoy

HIV in the Workplace at IBPAP HR Summit 2018


This year, as part of the Health and Wellness Program of the Information technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines HR Summit, 2018, Project Red Ribbon will be presenting the Comprehensive Corporate HIV in the Workplace Program. We will be discussion how we assist companies draft their HIV in the Workplace Policy, Education and Awareness Programs, Prevention and Diagnosis Programs and Ambassadorship and Volunteerism Program in the workplace.

 With the current rise in HIV cases among 24-35 working age group, Project Red Ribbon is trying to engage the private sector to step up and help the National HIV Program by creating programs that will promote health and wellness, decrease retention, improve productivity and decrease HIV related stigma and discrimination. By having these programs, everyone will be healthy, decrease resignations and minimize mortality among employees.
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Pozziepinoy, , , , , , , ,

Willing to Volunteer

Hi, 

I've read your post at pozziepinoy blog about volunteering for HIV/AIDS program,  and I am interested to be part of this campaign. I've been a PLHIV for four years now,  and it has been my desire to be part of such campaign.  
Hope to hear from you soon. 

Thanks, 
XXX

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi XXX.

Thank you for your email. Thank you for finding the blog.

Project Red Ribbon Volunteer Program is open to all, both people living with HIV (PLHIV) or advocates. You may contact Billy at 0917-908-1546 so that you can attend our training, which usually falls on a weekend. 

Since Project Red Ribbon is a national Foundation, we are seeking volunteers all over the Philippines to help us out so that we could provide service to Filipinos. 

To you, XXX, we do hope that we could meet you as soon as possible.

Once again thank you for reaching out to us.

Pozziepinoy



Need assistance?
Want to take the FREE HIV Screening?
Want to talk to someone?
Looking for a support group?
Want to volunteer?

TRR HIV Hotline Numbers 


02-656-7297
0917-908-1546
                    

TRR CARE OFFICE

OPEN DAILY

Address:
Unit 401 Lumiere Suites
#21 General Capinpin St.
Barangay San Antonio,
Ortigas Center, Pasig

If you want to join a private HIV support group in Facebook, please add Katherine Pierce, Bi Santo, Danica Oliveros and request to be added in the group. We have a lot of PLHIV, counselors, HIV doctors, advocates and supporters who you can talk to.


"Spreading Compassion"

-Project Red Ribbon-



Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 
Check this link:


If you have comments or questions, please click this link:




© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012




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Pozziepinoy, , , , , , , ,

Need help


Hello HIV Positive po ako.. Nalaman ko lang po nung July.. Wala pa po akong ginaganagawa kasi natakot po ako.. Napanuod ko po yung video niyo sa youtube at nainspire po ako.. Hindi ko po alam yung una kong gagawin.. Sana po matulutungan niyo.. Hindi ko po alam kung san ako pupunta.. Anung gamot ang iinumin ko.. Nainspire ako sa inyo kasi biglang bawi ng katawan niyo.. Sana po matulungan niyo ko.. Sana po mag reply kayo kasi kayo nalang po ang pag asa ko.. :( hindi ko po talaga alam ang gagagawin ko.. 

 TRANSLATION

Hello, I am HIV Positive. I found out last July. I am still not doing anything because I am scared. I watched your video on youtube and I was inspired. I don’t know what to do.  I hope you can help me. I don’t knoew where to go. What medicines should I take. I was inspired by you because your body was able to recover fast. I hope you can help me. I wish you would reply because I feel that you are my only hope. I really don’t know what to do.


POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE


Hi there.

Thank you for your email. I deeply apologise for the delay in my response due to the long holiday weekend. 

Though it is really painful and scary to know that one is HIV positive, I am glad that you took the HIV test. Honestly, it is one of the greatest decisions that you have ever made. Knowing one's HIV status means that you will start being in control of yourself. Also, by knowing it, you help our country in stopping the HIV epidemic, which up to now is still uncontrolled. The HIV cases in the country is still going up and up to now, we still don't know how many are infected. 

I know you are confused. I know you are scared. Being a person living with HIV for almost eight years now, I can still remember the first time that I knew about my HIV status. Trust me in saying that I felt the same way. But I focused. I focused not on what I have but on what I can do. I focused on my life ahead, on how I can fight back, on how I can regain control of myself. You can also do the same. Worrying right now, on your own won't do you any good. It is best that you go to the nearest HIV and AIDS Treatment Hub and get a consultation. Everything is free in government hubs or satellite/primary care hubs. Don't worry because everything is confidential. Since you never mentioned where you are located, you may refer to the blog post Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry: June 2018 Report as there is a listing of the hubs there.

You can start from there, and the hub doctor will guide you through the entire process of managing HIV and managing your life. Trust me. People can recover and fight HIV. It is just a matter of full focus on the treatment and you will be fine.

I hope that I was able to answer your question. Please feel free to email again if you have other concerns.

Thanks.


Pozziepinoy




Need assistance?
Want to take the FREE HIV Screening?
Want to talk to someone?
Looking for a support group?
Want to volunteer?

TRR HIV Hotline Numbers 


02-656-7297
0917-908-1546
                    

TRR CARE OFFICE

OPEN DAILY

Address:
Unit 401 Lumiere Suites
#21 General Capinpin St.
Barangay San Antonio,
Ortigas Center, Pasig

If you want to join a private HIV support group in Facebook, please add Katherine Pierce, Bi Santo, Danica Oliveros and request to be added in the group. We have a lot of PLHIV, counselors, HIV doctors, advocates and supporters who you can talk to.


"Spreading Compassion"

-Project Red Ribbon-



Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 
Check this link:


If you have comments or questions, please click this link:




© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012




Sunday, August 26, 2018

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Pozziepinoy, , , , , , , ,

Laboratory Fees during Treatment


Hi .

I have a question.

After you have already the medicines against HIV, what about the labatories.
I mean the follow up results, are the free ?

A friend of mine is living in Antipolo , and he wants me to believe that this is not free. 
I am familiar with this kind of examination in Davao , and the lab follow-ups are free.

Thanks.

XXX

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi XXX.

Thank you for your email. Thank you for finding the blog. 

Let me tell you the scenario of HIV Treatment in the Philippines.

First, after the HIV test from the testing facility, one needs to wait for the confirmatory test result. This may take for a minimum of 2 weeks before the document arrives at the testing facility. This waiting period may vary as this comes from the Department of Health SACCL in Manila. 

While waiting some HIV and AIDS Treatment hubs would accept the rapid test result or do another HIV screening to speed up the treatment process, so it is best that after the HIV test, go to the nearest treatment hub. 

In the treatment hub, specific tests will be prescribed. This includes, and may not be limited to, the chest X-ray, CBC, lipid profile and the CD4 test. If the hub is a government facility, these laboratory tests should be free. They come with a price if the hub is privately owned.

The next step is to file the PhilHealth benefit package. If you are employed, you have this already. If not, you can do it as voluntary member. The reason why you need to file for this is to ensure that you will have all the free laboratory tests every quarter or semiannual. This is the Out-patient HIV and AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package of PhilHealth.

Once the person gets the result of the labs, he or she will then be prescribed with free antiretroviral medicines (irregardless of the CD4 result, based on the new ARV guidelines). He or she will also be taking anti-TB meds for 6 months and may take other medicines if his or her CD4 falls below 200. The medicines may be free if they are available in the government hub, else they may have to buy them. If the CD4 is very low, let's say below 100, the doctor may also prescribe other laboratory tests which may not be covered by the OHAT package, thus the client needs to pay for these. Also, if the person already has opportunistic infections, the labs and medicines for these infections may lso not be covered by the OHAT Package. 

The first 2 weeks of treatment may be tedious as the client needs to go back to the hub to report for possible side effects of the antiretroviral and or the prophylactic medicines he or she are taking. If there are no side effects, then the client will be prescribed with 3 months supply of free antiretroviral medicines. The client is then advised upon quarterly visits for refill of ARV's to have a consultation with the doctor. Laboratory tests are repeated every quarter, and the Viral Load Test which is covered by the OHAT package, every year.

As you can see, there are laboratory tests that are free in the government treatment hubs. The only possible scenario wherein the client needs to pay for the labs are, when there are already opportunistic infections, or the CD4 count is below 100. In Antipolo, there are services under the Department of Social Welfare and Development which can provide assistance for the labs. This may be requested from the regional office and the city office of Antipolo. I know this because we have been referring economically challenged people living with HIV in Antipolo and the people in the City Health Office are very helpful especially when proven that the client is indigent.

This may also be true in other hubs in other cities. However, of course, one has to disclose his or her status to the government personnel to get access to these services. But, we have to do everything to get well, right? Anyway, tell your friend that everything is confidential and in Antipolo, they really respect that.

Saying all of this, your friend maybe telling the truth. There are just some things to consider, as mentioned above for paying for the laboratories. Other than that, everything is free.

I hope I was able to answer your question. Rest assured that I will reply to your email if you have other concerns.

Take care, and say hi to your friend for me.

Pozziepinoy




Need assistance?
Want to take the FREE HIV Screening?
Want to talk to someone?
Looking for a support group?
Want to volunteer?

TRR HIV Hotline Numbers 


02-656-7297
0917-908-1546
                    

TRR CARE OFFICE

OPEN DAILY

Address:
Unit 401 Lumiere Suites
#21 General Capinpin St.
Barangay San Antonio,
Ortigas Center, Pasig

If you want to join a private HIV support group in Facebook, please add Katherine Pierce, Bi Santo, Danica Oliveros and request to be added in the group. We have a lot of PLHIV, counselors, HIV doctors, advocates and supporters who you can talk to.


"Spreading Compassion"

-Project Red Ribbon-



Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 
Check this link:


If you have comments or questions, please click this link:




© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012




Thursday, August 23, 2018

0 comments
Pozziepinoy, , , , , , , ,

HIV Test and Employment

Hi Pozziepinoy,

 I would like to know if the HIV test is required to apply in a Call Center?

 XXX

 POZZIEPINOY'S RESPONSE

 HI XXX.

 Thank you for your email. Thank you for finding the blog.

 Requiring an HIV Test as part of the application for employment is against the law. It is stated clearly in the Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, under Article III:

 Section 16. Prohibitions on compulsory HIV testing. – Compulsory HIV testing as a precondition to employment, admission to educational institutions, the exercise of freedom of abode, entry or continued stay in the country, or the right to travel, the provision of medical service or any other kind of service, or the continued enjoyment of said undertakings shall be deemed unlawful.

 If an employer or company tells you that you need to take the HIV test part of their requirement for employment, please call us as soon as possible so we can address this issue. 

 Recently we had a dialogue with the Department of Labor and Employment and the agency said that there has never been any filed complaints against them. Though Project Red Ribbon had experienced some cases from our clients on HIv testing as pre employment, it is really hard if the person complaining won't really step forward and complain about it. This is also true of people with HIV upon disclosure of their HIV status to employers got fired from work or even not given the position they were applying for. According to DOLE, they need people to file cases so that they can really address these issues.

 This is the reason why the Project Red Ribbon continues not only to advocate information but also empower people and communities about their rights. We can't correct any violations if a lot of people are scared to come out and talk about discrimination especially in the workplace. How can the government agencies understand the real situation people keep everything to themselves and just let go of issues.

 There are things to do. There are things to understand. There are things to fight for. We need your voice, and together, we can correct issues that have been lingering for a long time now.

 XXX, I hope I was able to answer your question. Feel free to email again, if you have other concerns.

 Thanks,

 Pozziepinoy





Need assistance?
Want to take the FREE HIV Screening?
Want to talk to someone?
Looking for a support group?
Want to volunteer?

TRR HIV Hotline Numbers 


02-656-7297
0917-908-1546
                    

TRR CARE OFFICE

OPEN DAILY

Address:
Unit 401 Lumiere Suites
#21 General Capinpin St.
Barangay San Antonio,
Ortigas Center, Pasig

If you want to join a private HIV support group in Facebook, please add Katherine Pierce, Bi Santo, Danica Oliveros and request to be added in the group. We have a lot of PLHIV, counselors, HIV doctors, advocates and supporters who you can talk to.


"Spreading Compassion"

-Project Red Ribbon-



Want to be ASSISTED for the HIV TEST?? 
Check this link:


If you have comments or questions, please click this link:




© Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Pozziepinoy 2012




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