Makati, Quezon City, Lead in Implementation of World-Class HIV Counseling and Testing Programs
The local Health Departments of Quezon City and Makati lead the pack in actively implementing world-class HIV prevention programs, particularly HIV Counseling and Testing. In a report published by the World Health Organization in the last quarter of 2012, the Philippines was praised for the use of best methods in containing the epidemic. “Existing interventions draw on international best practices such as peer learning, networked outreach, internet chatting, and connecting risk groups to health services,” the report says. In particular, the report cites a key strength of the Philippine response to HIV which is the different models now made available by different groups in the provision of HIV counseling and testing (HCT). “ This diversity is a strength of the response in the Philippines, and should be embraced. There is no single, perfect model for delivering HCT because sites vary in terms of potential clients, available resources, and the site’s experience in providing… HCT, ” t...