World AIDS Day 2022: Local organizations you can support in the fight against HIV/AIDS
Health care in all forms is a human right.
Today, Dec. 1, is World AIDS Day. Serving as the first-ever global health day, this day stands to unite the world in the global fight against the acquired immune deficiency syndrome that has been reported in 90,000 cases in the Philippines since 1984.
Aside from awareness, proper testing and funding are imperative in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
This World AIDS Day 2022, we're shining the spotlight on the local organizations that are not only committed to raising HIV/AIDS awareness in the Philippines, but also providing services and programs to those who need them.
LoveYourself Inc
LoveYourself is a strong and long-time community organization that offers a variety of services such as sexual health, trans health, and mental health. They offer safe spaces and community centers for individuals that need proper conversation and health services not typically available in their communities.
You can get free HIV testing/screening and counseling from LoveYourself through its easy-to-use booking system here.
They also offer hormone therapy services for pre-gender-affirming surgery (GAS) assessment, HIV-related services and vaccination, and other services through the same site.
For donations, they accept GCash, cash/check donations, and bank transfers here.
The Red Whistle
This community organization focuses on the human rights aspect of health and HIV awareness through the support of diverse SOGIE and mental health care in the Philippines.
Through awareness, programs, and partnerships with health services, TRW envisions a "world where HIV education, testing, treatment are mainstreamed and normalized towards the complete and absolute eradication of AIDS."
They also have a comprehensive list of certified HIV testing and treatment centers on their site. You can sign up to become a Red Whistle volunteer here.
Project Red Ribbon
Project Red Ribbon focuses on the awareness, prevention, HIV screening, treatment, care, and support that HIV-positive individuals need.
They focus on a multitude of programs and aspects of the cause, such as HIV among children and the elderly, vaccination, counseling, and having people living with HIV (PLHIV) members speak to schools and communities to put a name and experience to the cause.
Their Project Red Ribbon in Pasig and Duyan Center in Makati/San Andres area are also open from 10:00 a.m. to 12 midnight every day for free HIV screening and self-testing. You may shoot an email before visiting them at [email protected].
You may either donate, become a corporate partner, or directly volunteer at Project Red Ribbon here.
PAFPI
Founded in 1998, Positive Action Foundation Philippines Incorporated (PAFPI) aims to "empower people with HIV/AIDS and their families to live a normal, happy, and productive life in the mainstream of a supportive society."
The long-running DSWD-accredited non-profit organization has been at the forefront of many ventures in the fight against AIDS in the Philippines. They also pride themselves in having PLHIV members on the staff.
They regularly hold projects such as HIV Counseling Testing Training for private clinics and hospitals and National Consultation Process with PLWHAs to advance their lobbying efforts in support of the cause. You may donate via bank transfer here.