Orosa-Nakpil, Malate: The Conclusion

Last Saturday, December 19th, 2009 marked the last day in our "Survey Calendar". The Conclusion of our 2-month long program set in the "Orosa-Nakpil, Malate" area.
The setting reminds me so much of the book (title mentioned above), while the book's author, my friend, Doc Louiemar Gangcuangco, is the brain behind the project. He personally shed out a bunch of fortune just to make this dream project turn into reality.

We started on the 2nd week of November and we were so surprised with the turnout of people who are willing to participate in the survey and be tested. Although most of the times we were flocked by skeptics who keep on pulling our possible participants, the sincerest convincing power of our volunteers have outshone their selfish motives.

385 was the target number of MSMs that the team needs to gather in order to complete the project. It was quite a large number considering the fact that we just had the IHBSS (Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serologic Survey) 2 months prior to this project and 1 thought in mind that makes us think deeply is the possible saturation of participants. Since we targetted 300 last August-September, the reality of having a slow output is not at all impossible. Although this was the case, We were surprised with the performance the team have shown and we have finished the survey way ahead the target date.

Most men who participated shared their concerns of wanting to be involved in the advocacy in continuing the information dissemination regarding HIV and AIDS. A project like this is indeed a big help to the Department of Health and other concerned organizations. Thus, I suggest that it should be a continuous program that will be delivered to the most-at-risk community. The availability of such testing gives everyone an equal opportunity and an easy access to know their HIV status. Some people who tested NR (Non-Reactive/Negative) have vowed to commit themselves in helping us spread the words. I am grateful that this project has created a great impact in the minds and hearts of every Men in the Malate area. People who turned out Reactive to the tests were asked to undergo another blood extraction for confirmatory. We are extremely thankful they were all cooperative and never had second thoughts of submitting to the confirmatory test.

Overall, I see the project as a huge success. Although it made me sad thinking that infected Men in that area is increasing rapidly (as fast as our rapid testing kit results), the possibility of them infecting other people has been pretty much reduced (well that is my belief...). One reason is that they are reminded that since they "might be" infected, a big thing to do is protect themselves from other infections by using "protection" (if they cannot practice abstinence or mutual faithfulness, consistent condom use is a MUST). Most of the men who turned out positive in the confirmatory testing were already referred to facilities that can address their health concerns. They are in continuous communication with Doc Louie for guidance. Some people who turned out negative have been communicating with me for possible tie-ups with their events, and for their involvement in our upcoming activities.

Orosa-Nakpil, Malate, the cradle of MSMs of the metro, is still a place for FUN, but now fun has a different meaning. It is not just mere happiness or plain enjoyment, instead FUN is now a responsible way of being happy. HIV and AIDS is around, we should do our share in preventing the spread. People Living With HIV/AIDS deserve to be happy like everyone of us. They have the right to roam around the area and enjoy like everyone else. The only thing that we can do is to "PROTECT OURSELVES".

The HIV Rapid Testing does not end with the conclusion of the project of Doc Louie. The Global Fund through the DOH, AIDS Society of the Philippines and the LGUs in Metro Manila is giving out the service continuously as long as the Rapid Testing Kits are available. For more information on the free testing or if you want to be scheduled for screening, let us know. Please feel free to send me a message at YM, Yahoo Mail

faceyourfearsandgettested@yahoo.com,

or click the links below.

https://twitter.com/#!/AidanChosen

http://www.facebook.com/faceyourfearsandgettested

please feel free to call or text RYAN:
09164378396 globe
09237018405 sun

If you have any questions feel free to ask me...
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Ingat lagi.