Shining a spotlight on exceptional facilities and partner
organizations that
have contributed greatly to the country's HIV treatment efforts
The EpiC
QUILTS Awards, now in its second year, continues to recognize outstanding health
facilities and partner organizations that have provided care and treatment to
people living with HIV (PLHIV). The awards ceremony will take place on May 22,
2023, at the Ynares Center Antipolo, in time for the International AIDS
Candlelight Memorial (IACM) Commemoration.
Quality
Uptake and Improvements in Lifesaving Treatment Services or QUILTS was inspired
by the AIDS Memorial Quilt — a global symbol of solidarity in the fight to end
HIV and in remembrance of those who we lost from preventable AIDS-related
illnesses. The QUILTS Awards started in 2022 through the Meeting Targets and
Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project in the Philippines, which is led by
FHI 360 and funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
(PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This event
is in collaboration with the AIDS Society of the Philippines and Department of
Health (DOH) Centers for Health and Development in CALABARZON, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.
“Like last year, we continue to honor the outstanding
work being done by various facilities, organizations, and local government
units as they collectively provide quality care and treatment for people living
with HIV,” said Teresita Bagasao, project director for EpiC Philippines. “The
goal of the QUILTS Awards is to empower these frontliners by recognizing their
important contribution to end the HIV epidemic in the Philippines by 2030.”
The QUILTS
Awards will include the following main categories:
·
Excellence Award for HIV Treatment Initiation
·
Excellence Award for HIV Treatment Retention
·
Excellence Award for Viral Load Coverage
·
Differentiated HIV Treatment Services (Overall Champion)
The recipients
of the awards were determined through the accomplishments of EpiC-supported
facilities in greater Metro Manila based on data provided by the Department of
Health Epidemiology Bureau. A panel of judges consisting of HIV experts and
advocates from UNAIDS Philippines, AIDS Society of the Philippines, and USAID
determined the recipients of the awards based on criteria reflecting consistent
quality delivery of HIV treatment services. These awards are in the areas of starting
people living with HIV on lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ART), ensuring
that they adhere to this treatment, and finally obtain regular viral load
tests. A person living with HIV that adheres to their ART can achieve an undetectable
status, a point where the virus is no longer detectable in their blood and
therefore cannot be transmitted sexually.
According to Bagasao, “The International AIDS
Candlelight Memorial celebrated annually every third Sunday of May is important
globally as it honors those who have passed from AIDS-related illnesses. As
advances in HIV treatment now allow us to prevent AIDS-related deaths, it is equally
important for everyone to know that there is a community of dedicated frontline
HIV workers who ensure that each person diagnosed with HIV will live a long and
productive life through accessing treatment services.”
HIV treatment services are provided free in the
Philippines through the DOH. These can be accessed from government clinics and
community-based and private treatment facilities certified by the DOH. These
services can be booked through Quickres.org.
Last year’s winners include Luntiang Silong-Bulacan
Medical Center, which won two awards: Linkage to Care and Differentiated
Service Delivery (DSD) and Case Management.
Dr. Concepcion Garcia-Lat, City Health Officer of this
year’s host Antipolo City, highlighted the importance of collaborative work in
delivering HIV services to key populations. “Our work in Antipolo Social
Hygiene Clinic involves assistance from development partners like PEPFAR.
USAID, and EpiC. While DOH and our provincial and local governments ensure that
enough investments are put towards HIV services, we are thankful that our
development partners are there to provide additional technical support,”
Garcia-Lat added.
With over 250
participants, this momentous occasion unites passionate HIV advocates,
dedicated medical professionals, and influential community leaders. This
special gathering will commemorate the tremendous strides made in the fight
against HIV in the Philippines. Adding to the festivity, attendees will be
treated to electrifying performances by Drag Race PH’s Lady Morgana, and
soulful duets from singer-songwriter Nica del Rosario and artist Justine Peña.
It is sure to be a celebration of hope, resilience, and progress towards a
brighter future for those living with HIV.
The EpiC project
is a five-year global initiative that provides strategic technical assistance
and direct service delivery to achieve HIV epidemic control and promote
self-reliant management of national HIV programs by improving HIV case finding,
prevention, treatment programming, and viral load suppression. Through the
QUILTS Awards, EpiC will continue to empower key stakeholders, partners, and
the PLHIV community in building a future where HIV services, from prevention to
treatment, can be freely accessed by anyone without the fear of stigma.
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