Crisis Update: Supporting People Living with HIV/AIDS overcome COVID-19 in the Philippines
Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA is working with our partner organisation in the Philippines, the Positive Action Foundation of the Philippines Incorporated (PAFPI), to support people living with HIV/AIDS during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Challenges for people living with HIV/AIDS during lock-down
The Philippines government has imposed one of the world’s strictest lock-downs to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, which includes the closure of public transport.
This total lock-down means that people living with HIV/AIDS cannot easily nor safely access the life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) medication that keeps them healthy, and they face obstacles in attending regular check-ups and hospital visits.
Our partner organisation in the Philippines, PAFPI, says that while people living with HIV/AIDS who have access to ARV medication currently have no increased risk of contracting the Coronavirus, people who are not receiving treatment may be at higher risk of infection.
This means that people living with HIV/AIDS need support in accessing the medication, food and essentials, and healthcare information that will allow them to remain healthy and safe during the pandemic.
Supporting people living with HIV/AIDS overcome the pandemic
Here’s how our partner organisation in the Philippines, PAFPI, is mobilising to support people living with HIV/AIDS during the lockdown:
• Delivering online support services to people living with HIV/AIDS who have received hospital referrals for specialist attention.
• Facilitating online discussion sessions on the importance of prevention measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing, sanitation, correct hand washing, and the need to adhere to community quarantining measures.
• Lobbying government decision-makers to provide food aid to people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
• Negotiating with local authorities to allow people living with HIV/AIDS to be permitted to attend their regular check-ups and hospital visits during the lock-down.
By contributing to the Coronavirus Solidarity Fund, you will be supporting our network of partner organisations across the globe as they mobilise to protect vulnerable communities and workers from the COVID-19 pandemic.