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...
Thanks for viewing my blog.
hope to see you soon!


Ingat lagi.

FREE RAPID HIV TESTING!!!

The Manila Social Hygiene Clinic in Partnership with the UNICEF and the Global Fund Round 6 is once again announcing the availability of the RT Kits, or the Rapid Testing Kits which show results in as quick as 10mins. The reliability of the testing kits should not be questioned since it is 99% accurate as the ELISA or the Serodia test. However, results are a lot quicker than the latter 2 tests. If the result happens to be positive, an extraction of the whole blood sample will be requested from the patient to be submitted for confirmation to SACCL. The sample will then undergo 3 tests, ELISA, Serodia and the Western Blot for confirmation.

The procedure will be the same, as the person will undergo HIV 101, pre-test counselling, extraction, post-test counselling and referral to treatment hub (if found out positive). thus, the RT does not compromise the original design of Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing.

Curious about the confidentiality of the testing? Worry not, because the Philippine Law specifically the Republic Act 8504 or known as the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, states that:

"Article 1, SECTION 18. Anonymous HIV Testing - The State shall provide a mechanism for anonymous HIV testing and shall guarantee anonymous HIV testing and shall guarantee anonymity and medical confidentiality in the conduct of such test.."

and is further assured in this portion...

"ARTICLE VI CONFIDENTIALITY
SECTION 30. Medical Confidentiality - All health professional, medical instructions, workers, employers, recruitment agencies, insurance companies, data encoders, and other custodians of any medical record, file, data, or test results as directed to strictly observe confidentiality in the handling of all medical information, particularly the identity and status of persons with HIV.

So if you Guys will be Interested on this Rapid Testing or If you have any questions or concerns... Please feel free to contact:

Ryan Focal Person (Peer Educators of the Manila Social Hygiene Clinic)
Mobile Numbers: 09178222824 or 09237018405
Landline Numbers: 2119013
Indicate your name so we could schedule you for testing. You may use a codename if you wish.


The test is absolutely FREE, We are just waiting for you! Remember it's your decision since this is a voluntary testing. And one thing more, Remember it's better SAFE than Sorry!


Thank you so much for your time in reading this advertisement! we hope to see you soon!!!