Champion Community Centers intensify HIV prevention and testing efforts in IACM 2021

written by Edgar Bagasol Jr.

The Champion Community Centers commemorate the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) 2021 by intensifying efforts on HIV awareness, prevention, testing and treatment, especially amid the persisting COVID-19 pandemic. The IACM is held every third Sunday of May to remember lives lost to AIDS-related complications and share messages of hope for people living with HIV (PLHIV).

On this day of the year, people around the globe gather, light candles adorned by red ribbons, and pray together in commemoration and solidarity. However with the persisting pandemic, most IACM activities this year have to be held online again.

Living beyond HIV through undetectability

This year, the IACM was themed “We Remember. We Take Action. We Live Beyond HIV.” In line with this, the CCC through LoveYourself Inc. as its convenor led a nationwide online campaign called “U Matter” which was done throughout May.

Besides encouraging self-worth and compassion for others especially during this time, the U Matter campaign aimed to promote the importance of an undetectable status. When a PLHIV stays adherent to treatment, HIV can become undetectable in the body and the virus can no longer be transmitted sexually. This concept is popularly known as “U=U” or undetectable equals untransmittable.

Through a series of articles and video testimonials, the campaign featured stories of PLHIV and their journey to undetectability. It also gave a spotlight to community-based organizations (CBOs) that have been at the forefront in helping PLHIV achieve undetectable status through their treatment and support programs/services. An online photo essay contest was also held to highlight stories of other community members.

All of these activities were collectively featured during the “U Matter: U Light The Way” online concert held on May 16. HIV advocate groups and individuals, health service providers ambassadors, and allies gathered online to do the annual candle lighting ceremony and deliver cultural performances, as well as, motivational messages.

Bringing the campaign to local communities

In support of U Matter, the CCCs and some partner local government units (LGUs) and organizations conducted their IACM activities to deliver the campaign messages to provinces and cities across the country.

Among those who led candle lighting activities streamed online via their social media pages are LAKAN Community Center (Pampanga), Oro Pia Community Center (Cagayan de Oro City), Rajah Community Center (Iloilo City), and Mujer-LGBT Community Center (Zamboanga City). Meanwhile, volunteers and staff of Bagani Community Center in Bacolod City burned torches for the commemoration in place of candles. Their ceremonies were filled with messages of remembrance and prayers for their lost community members. They also discussed the purpose of IACM and encouraged their online viewers to support and treat PLHIV without stigma or judgment.

To encourage discussions about HIV, some also incorporated awareness segments in their online commemoration. Amos Tara Community Center in Palawan for instance initiated an “Online Talakayan,” which tackled basic HIV information and updates on the PLHIV situation during the pandemic as they addressed inquiries and concerns of their audiences. Meanwhile, FPOP Baguio-Benguet took their IACM commemoration as an opportunity to educate more youth about sexual and reproductive health. They held a series of “Teen Talks,” engaging various youth sectors to lead the discussion on HIV prevention and testing.

On the other hand, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 3 spearheaded a countdown awareness campaign for IACM. From May 1 to 16, the region released 15 online posters containing trivia about the IACM and HIV/AIDS. They also released a series of tribute videos for the PLHIV and HIV frontliners, including case managers, HIV counselors, doctors, and program implementers.

TLF Share, another partner, also launched their Community Access to Redress and Empowerment (CARE) program. The CARE program aims to assist PLHIV in seeking justice and redress mechanisms when they experience stigmatization, discrimination, or any human rights violation because of their status. TLF Share currently mobilizes 15 CARE officers to provide legal advice, mediation and conciliation, documentation, and online legal care for PLHIV victims.

All of these localized activities that were conducted by CBOs, LGUs, and other partners were further promoted under PROTECTS, the Global Fund HIV national grant, through its “#AwraSafely” campaign managed by Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. In support of U Matter, the #AwraSafely campaign also released various online awareness materials on HIV prevention and testing.

From online to the streets

Beyond these online activities, several CBOs also took the campaign to the streets, following COVID-19 safety protocols, as they conducted HIV awareness and screening activities.

In the lead are the volunteers and staff of LAKAN Community Center in Pampanga City. This month, the community center started conducting HIV seminars and community-based screening operations in private establishments, including salons and wellness centers. They also campaigned for HIV combination prevention and distributed condoms and lubricants to their attendees.

Meanwhile, youth volunteers of FPOP Baguio-Benguet set up the so-called “Safety Pantry” in the Baguio City public market. Adopting the concept of the now popular community pantries, people can freely access vitamins, condoms, lubricants, contraceptive pills, alcohol wipes, and sanitary napkins in their booths. Aside from these, youth volunteers assist in providing free family planning services, sexual and gender-based violence prevention, and HIV testing and counseling.

Lastly, DIOSSA’s Lily Community Center distributed condoms and lubricants in five cities in Metro Manila, along with women’s hygiene commodities on May 28. Supported by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), this activity was done to also celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Initiative, creativity, and collaboration

With the pandemic posing a significant barrier to access, these community efforts are significant in bringing HIV prevention, testing, and treatment more accessible to people. Maximizing social media as a platform for HIV/AIDS awareness, including the promotion of U=U, has also been effective in reaching more key populations and educating the general public.

JM Maynes, LoveYourself’s PROTECTS Program Manager, expressed, “We commend all CBOs and partners who participated in the [U Matter] campaign. We can only do so much in the national program but with their initiative and creativity, we are sure that we are reaching KPs in local communities.”

Maynes also believes that the collaboration between and among CBOs, LGUs, and other advocacy groups is now more becoming apparent as compared to previous years. “Our collaboration, especially now, is key in efficiently delivering our programs and services to the people. If we continue to harmonize, we can better ensure the sustainability of our programs, and in the long run, fast-track the achievement of our targets; that is, to eradicate HIV in the country,” he added.

In April this year, the Department of Health reported 1,120 newly diagnosed PLHIV, averaging 33 cases per day. Men who have sex with men still account for the majority of the cases and sexual contact remains the predominant mode of transmission.