PSFI, FPOP Baguio-Benguet launches first sundown clinic

written by Vic Arthur Masliyan

The Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) Baguio-Benguet launched their first sundown clinic on April 9. With support from the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., the sundown clinic will bring HIV screening services closer to the people Baguio City and nearby municipalities, especially to key populations (KPs) who do not have time to get themselves tested during regular working hours.

According to Mikhail Taggueg, PSFI Area Regional Coordinator for CAR, this alternative clinic is for clients who do not want to get tested on HIV facilities because of the fear to be judged or to be seen by other people. “Though our staff in the facilities are well-oriented with laws regarding HIV, some clients are still reluctant to avail services in government facilities due to confidentiality issues," he added.

Different key populations can now avail HIV screening and commodities every Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturdays from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the FPOP Baguio-Benguet Clinic. This schedule is on top of FPOP’s regular clinic hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during weekdays.

Further, PSFI and FPOP launched #Teentalks, a series of online discussions about Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health. Through the #TeenTalks, they hope to educate the KPs especially the youth to make informed decisions about the Sexual and Reproductive health. At the same time, it is an opportunity to raise awareness regarding treatment, care and support for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Aside from these efforts, PSFI also aims to establish community centers which will be a one-stop-shop for HIV/STI services. Taggueg emphasized that “these initiatives are just support to the LGUs efforts in the HIV response within the city and the region” he ended.

Meanwhile, Cherrie Caluza, Department of Health (DOH) CAR HIV program coordinator said that sundown clinics are proven to be more favourable to KPs who are part of the working population.

The DOH Regional HIV program will be working closely with PSFI and FPOP to monitor the effectiveness of the initiative in terms of the number of clients reached compared to those reached by the facilities.

Cases in numbers

In January 2021, 1% of the total number of newly diagnosed cases in the Philippines came from CAR. The number increased to 2% the following month. 69% of these cases are from Baguio City while 11% and 7% are from the provinces of Benguet and Mountain Province, respectively. The province of Abra, Ifugao and Kalinga shared 3% each while there were no cases reported from the Province of Apayao.

The total number of cases have increased compared to the number of cases reported in January and February 2020.

Despite the increase in number, “the bigger picture is not yet seen” added Caluza. For the previous years, the region just reached 60% of its target for diagnosis coverage. The establishment of alternatives for testing, such as CBS and Facility Testing, will help reach the remaining 40% of the target.

People who are interested to be screened for HIV, may book an appointment via www.facebook.com/fpopycg or visit the FPOP Baguio-Benguet Clinic at 2F Market Superintendent’s Building, Bagong Lipunan, Baguio City. The service is also offered by the Regional HIV Program at DOH-CAR, BGH Compound, Baguio City.