6th AIDS Medium Term Plan For 2017-2022

Republic of the Philippines
6th AIDS Medium Term Plan

2017-2022
Synergizing the Philippine HIV& AIDS Response
29 December 2016
Draft as of 29 December 2016. Not for circulation. 3
Table of Contents
Foreword
Members of the Philippine National AIDS Council
Contributors
Abbreviations and Acronyms
List of Tables and Figures
Executive Summary
1. Introduction
1.1. Developing a New National AIDS Strategic Plan
1.2. Development Process of the 6th Philippine HIV & AIDS Strategic Plan
2017-2022
1.3. Guiding Principles in Developing the 6th Philippine HIV & AIDS Strategic
Plan 2017-2022
1.4. Aligning the 6th Philippine HIV & AIDS Strategic Plan 2017-2022 to
National and International Policy Frameworks
2. The Philippine HIV and AIDS Situation

2.1. Overview of the HIV Epidemic
2.2. Key and Vulnerable Populations
2.3. Population Size Estimates
2.4. Modes of Transmission
2.5. Knowledge among key populations
2.6. Condom Use
2.7. Access to HIV Testing
2.8. Access to HIV Treatment
2.9. Moving Forward: Key Recommendations of the External Review of the 5th
AIDS Medium Term Plan
3. The 6th Philippine HIV & AIDS Strategic Plan 2017-2022

3.1. Vision
3.2. Strategic Directions
3.3. Targets
3.4. Defining Strategic Directions
3.5. Intervention Areas of Each Strategic Direction
3.6. Recommended Actions for Each Intervention Area
4. The 6th Philippine HIV & AIDS Strategic Plan 2017-2022 Implementation
and Coordination Arrangements
4.1. Strategic Clustering
4.2. Strategic Clusters
4.3. Strategic Clustering Framework
4.4. Developing Operational Plans
4.5. Monitoring and Evaluation of Plan Implementation
5. Estimated Resource Needs of the 6thAIDS Medium Term Plan 2017-2022
Foreword
c/o Office of the Secretary
Members of the Philippine National AIDS Council
ACHIEVE Action for Health Initiatives, Inc.

CHED Commission on Higher Education
DBM Department of Budget and Management
DepEd Department of Education
DFA Department of Foreign Affairs
DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government
DOH Department of Health
DOJ Department of Justice
DOLE Department of Labor and Employment
DOT Department of Tourism
DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development
HAIN Health Action Information Network, Inc.
HOR House of Representatives of the Philippines, Committee on
Health
LCP League of Cities of the Philippines
LPP League of Provinces of the Philippines
NEDA National Economic and Development Authority
PIA Philippine Information Agency
PMA Philippine Medical Association
PNGOC Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare, Inc.
PPA Pinoy Plus Association, Inc.
SOP Senate of the Philippines, Committee on Health
TESDA Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
TLF- The Library Foundation, Sexuality, Health, and Rights Educators
SHARE Collective
TUCP Trade Union Congress of the Philippines
Contributors
Dr. Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial
Chair, PNAC and Secretary, DOH
Atty. Alberto T. Muyot

Undersecretary, DepEd
Dr. Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco

DOLE-OSHC
Ms. Normina E. Mojica

Council for the Welfare of Children
Mr. Cariza Seguerra

Chair and CEO, National Youth Commission
Mr. Percival Cendaña

Commissioner, National Youth Commission
Technical Working Group
Action for Health Initiatives (ACHIEVE)

Ms. Amara Bondad
Ms. Leslie Tolentino
Ms. Junelin Tabelin
Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

Ms. Nena Asingjo
Ms. Youri San Jose
Department of Education
Dr. Ann Quizon
Department of Health
Dr. Jose Gerard Belimac, NASPCP
Dr. Antoinette Evangelista, NASPCP
Dr. Genesis May Samonte, EB

Mr. Noel Palaypayon, EB
Ms. Krizelle Ann Ronquillo-Umali, EB
Ms. Abigail Candelaria-Aquino, EB
Ms. Bettina Kaye D. Castañeda, EB
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Ms. Anjela Mae Era, LGA
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Dr. Daryl Lucian Bautista, OSHC
Ms. Joyce Ann Dela Cruz, OSHC
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

Ms. Elgin Mazo
League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP)

Ms. April Deevian Mosquera
League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP)

Ms. Angelica Sanchez
Mr. Dennis Bernabe
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)

Ms. Arlene Ruiz
Mr. Michael Paldan
Philippine NGO Council on Population Health and Welfare (PNGOC)

Dr. Eden Divinagracia
Mr. Ralph Ivan Samson
Pinoy Plus Advocacy Pilipinas, Inc., (PPAPI)

Mr. Rommel Legwes
Mr. Arubah Hadjirul Jr.
Mr. Sharlito Lucero
Ms. Elena S. Felix
Mr. Richard Bragado
Mr. Nick De Rosas
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

Mr. Jayvie Gacutan
Ms. Wonny Mose
TLF-SHARE Collective
Mr. Anastacio Marasigan Jr.
Mr. Marcy Oculto
Ms. Angel Olimpo
Workshop-Consultations Participants
Children and Youth
Insert list of pax here
Civil Society Organizations

and Development Partners
Ms. Alma Mondragon Alagad Mindanao

Mr. Kenneth Tanguin Albay Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender Organization, Inc.
Mr. Wayner John Balingit Cebu Plus Association, Inc. (CPAI),
Ms. Floreber Rubio
Ms. Jason "Jhaye" Encabo
Ms. Francheska Dabon COLORS
Mr. Gerardo Andamo Health Action Information Network, Inc.
(HAIN)
Mr. Jeffrey W. Somera Human Development and Empowerment
Mr. AbdulnasaTiking Services (HDES)
Mr. Andrew Ching HIV and AIDS Support House, Inc. (HASH)
Mr. Michael De Guzman
Ms. Ruthy D. Libatique
Mr. Earl Patrick Penabella LoveYourself Inc.
Ms. Grace Binay NoBox
Mr. Phillip Fiar-Od
Ms. Sheryl Acuña Philippine NGO Council on Population Health
and Welfare (PNGOC)
Mr. Terou Dawahnee Philippine Sex Workers Collective
Ms. Marilyn R. Siongco
Mr. Rodel Navarra Positive Action Foundation of the Philippines,
Mr. Sid Compuesto Inc. (PAFPI)
Mr. Emil Garcia
Mr. Renier Louie Bona Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines
(SHIP)
Mr. Crisante Mapa The Red Ribbon (TRR)
Mr. Eduardo S. Lingan KATLO San Julian
Mr. Manuel I. Velasco Mindanao AIDS Advocates Association., Inc.
(MAAAI)
Mr. Stephen Christian Northern Mindanao AIDS Advocates
Quilacio
Ms. Herminia O. Fernandez Philippine Nursing Association, Cebu City
Ms. Gina L. Fontanos
Mr. Ronald Delos Reyes Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI)
Ms. Karen Jane Dela Cruz
Mr. Rhobert Maestre Tingug Sa Kasanag (TISAKA)
Mr. Marlou B. Flores Vida-Vivo Zamboanga

Ms. Susan Eleanor Claro Visayas Community Medical Center, Cebu
City
Mr. Van August J. Dofitas Bahaghari Advocacy Group
Mr. BJ Eco Dangal Pilipinas
Ms. Ruvih Sy P. Garrote Holy Name University
Ms. Luz M. Asis PCSGI
Mr. Faustine Angeles Pedal for HIV
Dr. Maria Stella Flores Pilpinas Shell Foundation
Mr. Calvin June Sintoy Project H4
Ms. Carina T. Sajonia Talikala, Inc.
Mr. Jordan G. Daganato Tambayan Center, Inc
Mr. Mikhail C. Taggueg The Cagayan Valley Support System
(TCVSS)
Mr. Leonel John Zuk
Ms. Raine Cortes ISEAN-HIVOS
Mx. Mario Balibago UNICEF
Ms. Jessica Raphaela Mirano
Government Agencies
Ms. Concepcion Pagara Northern Mindanao Medical Center

Mr. Cham Agtuca Jr. Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center
Ms. Marie Catherine (VSMMC)
Laberinto
Ms. Daisy Mae H. Balaba CSWDO-Cagayan De Oro
Ms. Cynthia Baldado DILG-VII
Mr. Jerry Bib C. Pitogo
Mr. Van Phillip Bayon DOH-VII
Ms. Emmanuelita R. Barera DOH-X
Ms. Myrna Aida J. Macayra DOH-XI
Ms. Maria Teresita Requillo
Ms. Rowena M. Eustaquio DSWD-IX
Ms. Bernadette A. Mates DSWD-VI
Ms. Daisy L. Ramos DSWD-X
Ms. Dalmin Faith Igana DSWD-XI
Ms. Anjela Platon Bicol Regional Teaching and Training
Hospital (BRTTH)
Ms. Eleanor A. Janonilu City Health Office, Antipolo
Ms. Ma. Lourdes Daguman City Health Office, Mandaluyong City
Mr. Remundo Raymundo Jr. City Health Office, Pasig City
Mr. Jose M. Parto City Social Welfare and Development Office
(CSWDO), Tacloban
Dr. Rainerio U. Reyes DepEd-Cavite
Mr. Nedricks P. Canlas DILG-III
Ms. Jnysz Montejo DILG-IVA (CALABARZON)
Mr. Lorenzo F. Suarez DILG-MIMAROPA
Mr. Zotico A. Villanueva Jr. DILG-NCR

Dr. Leonora D. Aquino DOH-III
Ms. Mellanie Montes DOH-MIMAROPA
Dr. Stanley Roy L. Carrasca DOH-NCR
Ms. Marivi C. Elnar DSWD-IV
Mr. Jay-R B. Polangi
Dr. Amelita C. Manalang DSWD-NCR
Mr. Roldan Bucal Research Institute for Tropical Medicine
Mr. Edgardo L. Razon Social Hygience Clinic, Pasig City
Dr. Michael Angelo Marquez Social Hygiene Clinic, Bacoor
Social Hygiene Clinic, Dasmariñas
Dr. Maria Soledad Mendiola
Mr. Symson Maquera
Dr. Elizabeth M. Medina Social Hygiene Clinic, Makati
Dr. Jose A. Coloma Jr., Ospital ng Palawan
Mr. Romer Guarra Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital

Mr. Jonie M. Buan (JBLMRH)
PNAC Technical Represenatives

Inset list here
Experts Panel Review
Ms. Teresita Marie Bagasao, UNAIDS

Mr. Zimmbodilion Y. Mosende, UNAIDS
Ms. Ma. Lourdes Quintos, UNAIDS
Dr. Emerito Faraon, UP-College of Public Health
Ms. Anzaira Roxas, Unicef-DOH
Ms. Abigail Candelaria-Aquino, EB
PNAC Secretariat
Dr. Joselito R. Feliciano
Mr. Efren Chanliongco Jr.
Ms. Virginia Lily Evangelista
Ms. Emily Concepcion
Mr. Kuin Patrick Gascon
Mr. Richard Laroya
Writers Team
Ms. Noemi D. Bayoneta Leis, Lead Consultant
Ms. Maria Rosario Mayor, Documenter, Editor, and Design
Mr. Mikael N. Navarro, Co-Facilitator
Abbreviations and Acronyms

AEM AIDS Epidemic Model
AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
AMTP AIDS Medium Term Plan
ART Anti-Retroviral Therapy
CHED Commission for Higher Education
CSO Civil Society Organization
CWC Council for the Welfare of Children
DepEd Department of Education
DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government
DOH Department of Health
DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development
EB Epidemiology Bureau
FLSW Freelance Sex Workers
FSW Female Sex Workers
HARP HIV/AIDS& ART Registry of the Philippines
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
IEC Information, Education and Communication
IHBSS Integrated HIV and Behavioral Serologic Surveillance
KP Key Population
LAC Local AIDS Council
LGU Local Government Unit
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MDG Millennium Development Goals
M/TSM Males/Transgender women who have sex with males
MSM Males who have sex with males
MTDP Medium Term Development Plan
NDHS National Demographic and Health Survey
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NYC National Youth Council
OFW Overseas Filipino Worker
OI Opportunistic Infections
OWWA Overseas Workers Welfare Agency
PDEA Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
PIP People in Prostitution
PLHIV People Living with HIV
PMTCT Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission
PNAC Philippine National AIDS Council
POEA Philippine Overseas Employment Agency
PWID People Who Inject Drugs
PYDP Philippine Youth Development Program
RA Republic Act
RAAT Regional AIDS Assistance Team
SHC Social Hygiene Clinic
STI Sexually Transmitted Infection
TCS Treatment, Care and Support
TESDA Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
TGW Transgender women
UN United Nations
UNAIDS United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
UNFPA United Nations Population Fund

VCT Voluntary Counseling and Testing
WHO World Health Organization
YKP Young Key Population
Executive Summary
6th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2017-2022

Synergizing the Philippine HIV& AIDS Response
1. Introduction
The 6th AIDS Medium Term Plan (6th AMTP) defines the results to be achieved for
the next six years and provides broad strategic directions for national, regional,
and local multisectoral AIDS response in coordination with civil society
organizations (CSOs) and the people living with HIV (PLHIV) community. The
directions set by the 6th AMTP will guide the coordination and implementation of
the Philippine AIDS response.
The success of the 6thAMTP is heavily anchored on responsible leadership marked

by a strong political will to make strategic decisions and to make itself accountable
in the delivery of its commitments. The Department of Health (DOH), as permanent
chair of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), together with the
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as co-chair, will pro-actively
take the lead in coordinating the full implementation of the 6th AMTP.
As the country’s HIV epidemic continues to rapidly accelerate, the need to scale
up and synchronize the country’s response becomes more imperative. More than
a health issue, HIV is a development issue requiring a concerted multi-sectoral
response. Towards this end, the 6th AMTP emphasizes convergence and synergy
of actions, and strengthened service delivery networks across and within sectors.
Establishing strategic clusters (SC) composed of organizations will facilitate
synergized actions.
1.1. Developing a New National AIDS Strategic Plan
The 40th Plenary Meeting of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) on May
4, 2016 signaled the commencement of the 6th AMTP development process. A
team of consultants was commissioned to lead the process and write the plan in
coordination with the PNAC Secretariat and the interim 6th AMTP technical working
group (TWG).
The 6th AMTP was developed through an intensive review of data and national and
international policy frameworks. Stakeholders from the government, civil society
organizations including private sectors, key affected and vulnerable populations,
children and youth, and development partners were engaged in meetings and
consultations.
1.2. Development Process of the 6th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2017-2022
 External Mid-Term Review of the 5thAMTP

The external review conducted in 2014 identified achievements, areas for
improvement, and key recommendations to improve and scale-up the country's
response. The results of the review were incorporated in the 6th AMTP.
 Establishment of the 6th AMTP TWG

The 6thAMTP TWG was created through a PNAC resolution to guide the
development process and to review and endorse the draft plan for the approval
of the council.It was composed of PNAC members from the CSOs and
government agencies:
a. Action for Health Initiatives (ACHIEVE)
b. TLF-SHARE Collective
c. Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health, and Welfare
(PNGOC)
d. Pinoy Plus Advocates Pilipinas, Inc. (PPAPI)
e. DOH and itsrelevant units (Epidemiology Bureau, National
AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program)
f. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
g. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
h. Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD)
i. Department of Education (DepEd)
j. League of Provinces in the Philippines (LPP)
 Engagement of the PLHIV community

The PLHIV community and its networks developed their strategic plan and
manifesto. The manifesto, which summarizes the voice of the community,
was presented in all 6th AMTP consultations.
 National consultation with civil society organizations (CSOs)

Recognizing the significant role of CSOs in the Philippine HIV and AIDS
response, a national consultation was organized to elicit their inputs to the
plan and their roles in the delivery of the plan.
 Regional and local consultations

Considering the devolved setting of key agencies and the growing number of
CSOs and networks of PLHIVs working with these agencies, two regional and
local multi-sectoral consultations (one each for Visayas-Mindanao and Luzon-
NCR) were conducted to provide a space for dialogue, identify good practices,
and agree on recommendations and points of convergence to synergize
actions for the AIDS response at the local and regional levels.
 National Children and Youth Consultation

The 6th AMTP is essentially focused on the reduction of new HIV infections
among children and youth. Youth representatives during the CSO consultation
articulated the need for a separate consultation to collectively discuss their
input to the 6th AMTP.
Parallel to the conduct of the youth consultation was the Luzon-NCR
consultation. The two groups were merged on the last day, with the youths
presenting their outputs to the Luzon-NCR consultation participants. The
merging also allowed the groups to discuss at length the issues on testing and
treatment among minors.
 Synergizing the 6thAMTP with various strategic plans

o Philippine Health Sector’s Strategic Plan for HIV, 2015-2022,
Department of Health
Although its operational plan is ending in 2017, the DOH Health Sector
Plan informed the 6thAMTP on the steps to be taken by the DOH to
address the findings of the 5th AMTP review.
o Philippine Youth Development Plan 2017-2022, National Youth
Commission
Anchoring on the targets to intensify HIV and AIDS response for
children and youth, the 41st PNAC Plenary recommended the
engagement of the National Youth Commission (NYC) and the Council
for the Welfare of the Children (CWC). During the 42nd PNAC Plenary,
the body passed a resolution establishing partnerships with NYC and
CWC.
HIV is already incorporated in the NYC's PYDP.
o MSM and TG Comprehensive Plan 2017-2022
The MSM and TG Comprehensive Plan 2017-2022 is the reaffirmed
MSM and TG Plan for 2012-2016 with revisions anchored on the
6thAMTP.
 Philippine AIDS Epidemic Model (AEM)

The development of the 6th AMTP was informed by the Philippine AIDS
Epidemic Model.1 AEM is a modeling tool that can support the decision making
process of countries with low and concentrated epidemics through estimation
1
Siripong, N., Peerapatnapokin, W., Puckett, R., & Brown, T. (2016). Assessing HIV program Impacts with the
AIDS epidemic model (AEM) – A tutorial introduction to the AEM suite of tools and workbooks. Honolulu, HW:
East-West Center Research Program.
and measurement of past and future HIV programs. The interface of the two
processes facilitated the decision on setting the 6th AMTP targets.
 Experts panel review

An Experts Panel Review was conducted to review the technical soundness of
the document.
1.3. The 6th AMTP guiding principles
 Rights- and responsibility-based

Underscore the state’s obligation to respect, protect, and promote the people’s
entitlement to basic human rights; while at the same time, putting emphasis on
the people’s obligation to exercise these rights responsibly.
 Community participation
Invoke the rights of citizens (communities, civil society organizations, and
networks of people living with HIV) to actively participate in the response and
to engage the state in addressing their needs and concerns.
 Integrated development
Incorporate the AMTP into the overall national development plans (through the
Medium Term Development Plan) and local development/investment plans.
 Comprehensive interventions
Provide gender-responsive, age-sensitive and -responsive, context-specific,
and culturally appropriate comprehensive packages of interventions for HIV
prevention and treatment, care, and support.
 Evidence-based
Ensure the generation, analysis, and use of strategic information for evidence-
based improvement of plan implementation and policy development.
 Equal access
Promote universal distribution of services and the availability of adequate
support systems especially for HIV-infected and affected individuals at all
levels.
 Equity
Ensure equitable distribution of services in a manner that is non-discriminatory
among individuals infected or affected by HIV, as well as those not infected or
affected by HIV and AIDS.
 Partnerships
Facilitate multi-sectoral consultations and dialogue, encouraging partnership-
driven development in the planning and implementation of HIV and AIDS
responses.
1.4. Aligning the 6th AMTP to national and international policy frameworks
The plan’s policy framework is mainly anchored by Article XIII, Section 11 of the
1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines which states that “the State
shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development
which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services
available to all the people at affordable cost.”2 Further facilitating the directions of
the 6th AMTP are Republic Act 8504 or The National AIDS Prevention and Control
Law of 1998, Ambisyon 20403, and the Philippine Health Agenda 2016-2022.4
Critical to the 6th AMTP targets to intensify its response among children and youth
are the provisions of Republic Act 10354 or The Responsible Parenthood and
Reproductive Health Act of 2012, RA 103542013 Implementing Rules and
Regulations, and Executive Order 209 or the 1987 Family Code of the Philippines.
The 6th AMTP is anchored as well on international policy frameworks, specifically

on the gains and learnings from the 2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
and Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Philippines reaffirmed its
commitment to the global community to end AIDS in 2030 by signing the joint
political declaration during the 70th session of the United Nations General
Assembly on June 16, 2016. The declaration reiterated goal three of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 20305, which is to “ensure healthy lives
and promote well-being for all at all ages.”
Health as a development issue should not be viewed in isolation from other SDGs
and must be linked6,7to other relevant goals:
Goal 1 No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Goal 2 Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and
improved nutrition, and promote sustainable
agriculture
Goal 4 Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality
education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all
Goal 5 Gender equality Achieve gender equality and empower all
women and girls
Goal 8 Decent and Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable
economic growth economic growth, full and productive
employment, and decent work for all
Goal Reduced Reduce inequality within and among countries
10 inequalities
2
Republic of the Philippines. The Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.
http://www.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution. October 4, 2016.
3
Republic of the Philippines. National Economic Development Authority. Ambisyon 2040.
http://2040.neda.gov.ph, October 4, 2016.
4
Republic of the Philippines. Department of Health. Philippine health agenda 2016-2022.
5
United Nations. Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 2015.
6
Maleche, Allan, 2015. SDG SERIES: Are SDGs the Vehicle to End AIDS by 2030? Only if Driven by Human
Rights
http://www.hhrjournal.org/2015/09/sdg-series-are-sdgs-the-vehicle-to-end-aids-by-2030-only-if-driven-by-
human-rights, May 10, 2016.
7
Sustainable development goals. http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/.
May 10, 2016.
Goal Sustainable cities Make cities and human settlements inclusive,

11 and communities safe, resilient, and sustainable
Goal Peace, justice, and Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for
16 strong institutions sustainable development; provide access to
justice for all; and build effective, accountable,
and inclusive institutions at all levels
Goal Partnerships for Strengthen the means of implementation and
17 the goals revitalize the Global Partnership for
Sustainable Development
2. The Philippine HIV and AIDS Situation
Strategic information presented in this section is a result of in-depth analyses of

data by Epidemiology Bureau (EB) in consultation with the National AIDS/STI
Prevention and Control Program (NASPCP) and the PNAC Secretariat. Qualitative
researches and program data supported the findings, which were presented and
validated in various consultations.
2.1. Overview of the Philippine HIV Epidemic
The first HIV case in the Philippines was reported in 1984. As of June 2016, the
country has a cumulative case of 34,999.8 From 1984 until 2007, the country’s
epidemic was characterized as low and slow; however, starting in 2008, the
transmission became fast and furious. To date, there is no indication that the
transmission will slow down. From an average of one new case a day in 2008, the
country now registers an average of 26 new cases a day.See Figure 1.
Figure 1: Number of newly diagnosed with HIV per day, 2008-2016
By end of 2015, the national HIV prevalence was at less than one percent (1%)
among the 15 to 49 years old population, but city specific data reported by the
Integrated HIV Behavior and Serologic Surveillance (IHBSS) revealed that a
number of highly urbanized cities reported more than five percent (5%) of HIV
prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2015.9
The acceleration also coincided with a flip in the modes of transmission. From
heterosexual, the main mode shifted to homosexual transmission. In certain parts
of the Philippines, the transmission is also fueled by sharing of needles among
people who inject drugs (PWID). PWIDs trigger the high HIV (45.9%10) and
hepatitis C (82.6%11) prevalence in Cebu City. Conflicting provisions in R.A. 8504
(AIDS Law) and R.A. 9196 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002
restrict the delivery of HIV interventions and pose dangers even to peer educators
8
Republic of the Philippines. Department of Health. Epidemiology Bureau. (October 2016). HIV/AIDS and ART
Registry of the Philippines (HARP).
9
Republic of the Philippines. Department of Health. Epidemiology Bureau. (2015). Integrated HIV Behavioral
and Serologic Surveillance (IHBSS). Unpublished report.
10
Ibid.
11
Ibid.
and health workers who risk being apprehended in providing HIV services.
2.2. Key and vulnerable populations
Aside from MSM and PWID, the country’s key populations (KP) include young
KPs, transgender women (TGW),12and female sex workers (FSW), which include
trafficked women and girls who are forced to engage in transactional sex.
Vulnerable populations include migrant workers, people in closed settings, people
with disabilities, and female partners of KPs. It is important to note that 25 percent
of MSM and 68 percent of PWID have female partners,13 resulting to emerging and
increasing new HIV infections among pregnant women. According to the HIV/AIDS
and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP), as of October 2016, the reported total
number of newly diagnosed with HIV pregnant women is 77 and that 44 or 64
percent are on anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Pregnant mothers who were living
with HIV and who were not on ART were reported to have transmitted HIV to their
children. The mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate was reported to be at less
than one percent (<1%).
While the figures are low, the country should take this opportune time to aim for
the elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission by promoting and expanding
the implementation of prevention of mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT)
program at ante-natal clinics and in other service points for pregnant women such
as the Women and Protection Unit (WCPU) in hospitals.
12
Data cited in 6th AMTP for TGW population were extracted from the IHBSS conducted among MSM
population.
13
IHBSS, 2015.
Children and youth: Generation of the infected population is getting

younger
Projection from the 2016 AIDS Epidemic Model (AEM) shows that 62 percent of
estimated new infections in 2016 come from the 15-24 age group as shown in
Figure2.
Figure 2: HIV infections among young key affected populations14
Defining children and youth
Definitions of children and youth in the Philippines vary depending on the

framework being adapted. The HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines
(HARP) defines children as those who are below 10 years and adolescents as
those who are 10 to 19 years old. The youth, on the other hand, are those who are
15-24 years old. Republic Act 7610, or the “Special Protection of Children Agaisnt
Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” as adapted by Council for the Welfare
of Children (CWC), defines "children” as those who are below 18 years old. On the
other hand, the National Youth Commission (NYC) has adapted Sec. 4 (a) of R.A.
8044, or the “Youth in Nation-Building Act” which defines "youth” as those who are
15 to 30 years old.
Regardless of the overlap in age, the message is urgent and clear that HIV
interventions should prioritize the young people, with special focus on young KPs.
A special concern for minors is the need for parental consent before they can be
tested for HIV. The Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 8504 states in
Rule 4, Section 26, that a “written informed consent shall be obtained before HIV
testing … by the parent of a minor”. Further, Section 43 states that HIV test result
“shall be released only to … parent of a minor who was tested.” In addition, minors
who need to start ART should be accompaniedby parents to ensure adherence to
treatment, monitoring, and management of side effects.
14 HIV by the Numbers : Philippines as part of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Powerpoint presentation by Noel
Palaypayon, August 17, 2016. 6th AMTP Consultation with TWG. Azurro Hotel, August 17-19, 2016.
If young key populations are not reached and/or tested, they will continue to have
unprotected high-risk behaviors that will lead to transmission of new HIV infections,
unnecessary deaths due to late diagnosis, and burden in health care.
2.3. Population size estimates
Table 1 : National population size estimates of key affected populations

andPLHIVs, 201515
National population
Male, 15-49 years old 24,435,734
Female, 15-49 years old 23,849,921
Size estimates of KAPs
Best Low High
KAPs %
estimate estimate estimate
MSM 531,500 2.18 429,200 792,900
16
TGW (23% of 122,245 0.50 na na
MSM)
FSW 66,100 0.28 45,600 95,300
PWID (male) na na 10,000 21,700
Estimated total PLHIV (Source: Spectrum17)
2015 42,453
2022 91,938
2030 170,221
2.4. Modes of HIV transmission
Figure 3 : Modes of HIV transmission in the Philippines, January 1984 to

June 201618
15
Republic of the Philippines. Department of Health. Epidemiology Bureau. (2015). Size estimation of key
affected population in the Philippines.
16
Data collection on transgender women or TGW through IHBSS begun in 2013 in selected sites. It should be
noted that meanings and cultural context of the term “transgender” in the Philippines vary per site and that
formative research should be conducted prior to implementing programs.
17
UNAIDS. (2016). Quick Start Guide for Spectrum.
18
HARP, October 2016.
Sexual transmission remains to be the predominant mode of transmission, with

males/transgender women who have sex with men (M/TSM) accounting for 76
percent of HIV cases in the country. In addition, sharing of needles among PWIDs
fuels the transmission in certain parts of the Philippines.
2.5. Low knowledge among KPs
Knowledge among KPs increased over the years, but at 35 percent, is still way
below the 90 percent target. The 2015 IHBSS reported that only three out of ten
M/TSM have knowledge on HIV. The figure is even lower for youth in the general
population, with the 2013 Young Adult Fertility Survey19 reporting that only 17
percent know the correct ways of HIV prevention, can identify misconceptions on
HIV, and know where to avail HIV services.
2.6. Condom use
Condom use is also below the target. Among M/TSM, only 42 percent reported the
use of condom during their last anal sex. IHBSS also reported that among the three
KPs, there is a two to three year lag in condom use from their first unprotected sex
to their first use of condom (Figure 4.)
Figure 4: Lag between start of risky behaviors vs protective behaviors
In addition,the reported main barrier to condom use is the lack of access to

condoms and lubricants.
19
Sexual behavior and HIV-AIDS knowledge of Filipino youth: Findings from the 2013 YAFS Survey.
Powerpoint presentation by Paz N. Marquez. May 12, 2014. Forum on HIV and AIDS for Youth and College
Educators. Ramada Manila Central, Manila. https://www.drdf.org.ph/sites/default/files/y4-
presentations/YAFS4%20Forum%20on%20HIV-
AIDS%20for%20Youth%20and%20College%20Educators%20May%2012.pdf.
Figure 5: Access to condoms20
2.7. Access to HIV Testing
HIV testing among key populations is increasing but remains to be very low. There
is a great need for increased and expanded effort to reach the 90 percent of HIV
testing target, particularly among M/TSM. A number of reasons were reported in
2015 as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6: HIV testing among KPs and reasons for not getting an HIV test,
2015
Data on Table 2 show the estimated number of PLHIV among the young KP and
the actual number of those who were diagnosed with HIV. The disaggregation by
age group emphasizes the need to scale up HIV testing among minors who are at
risk. Of the estimated number of new infections among 15-17 years old, only eight
percent (8%) were diagnosed. This implies that the program needs to reach out to
20 IHBSS, 2015
families of minors to ensure early access to HIV testing and treatment to save lives.
Table 2: Estimated HIV infections by age group vs. actual diagnosis
Age group
Description
25&
15-17 18-20 21-24
above
Cumulative estimate of HIV infections
by December 2016(AEM, November 1,976 6,157 15,791 37,416
2016)
Actual ever diagnosed with HIV21 by
154 2,087 8,038 27,651
June 2016 (HARP, June 2016)
% diagnosed of the estimated
8% 34% 51% 74%
infections
2.8. Access to treatment
Diagnosis does not translate to treatment. Linking PLHIV to care has been a
challenge of the national AIDS program. The eligibility criteria for ART enrollment
has been revised to include those who have CD4 count of less than 500 (<500),
those with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), pregnant women living with HIV, those
with Hepatitis B, and children below 5 years old, regardless of CD4 count. Despite
the revision, ART enrollment is still below the target. Consequently, the number of
those who are virally suppressed(HIV is undetectable during the viral load test) is
also low(Figure 7.) Of the 70 pregnant women who need treatment, only 43 are on
ART. Those who are not on ART have a high probability of transmitting HIV to their
babies.
Figure 7:Diagnosis and access to treatment22,23
2.9. Moving forward: Key recommendations of the external review of 5th

AMTP
21
HARP, October2016.
22
AEM (2016).
23
HARP.
While the 2014 External Mid-Term Review of the 5th AIDS Medium Term Plan24
saw progress in the AIDS response, it also reported critical findings needing urgent
actions. Taking its cue from the review, the 2014 Global AIDS Response and
Progress Reporting25, and from existing policy frameworks, the 6th AMTP will take
a bolder and ambitious move to fast track the country’s AIDS response to
contribute to the roadmap of ending AIDS in 2030.26
The findings are categorized in six thematic areas:
1. HIV prevention coverage among most-at-risk-populations27 (MARPs)

2. Strategic information
3. Continuum of prevention, care, and treatment
4. Enhance policies for scaling up HIV programs
5. Expand capacity of PNAC
6. Strengthen capacities of local governments and communities
24
Republic of the Philippines. Philippine National AIDS Council. External mid-term review of the 5th AIDS
medium term plan: 2011-2016 Philippine strategic plan on HIV and AIDS. (2014).
25
Republic of the Philippines. Philippine National AIDS Council. 2014 Global AIDS Response and Progress
Reporting: country progress report Philippines. (2014).
26
United Nations. (2016). Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS: On the Fast-Track to Accelerate the Fight
against HIV and to End the AIDS Epidemic by 2030.
27
Most-at-risk-populations (MARPs) will be referred in the 6th AMTP as key populations (KPs)
3. The 6th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2017-2022
Building on the gains of the 5th AMTP and lessons learned from its external review,
the 6th AMTP is facing the global challenge to ending AIDS by taking a bolder step
to scale up its national response with special focus on reducing new infections
among, but not limited to, young key populations (YKPs) and improving the quality
of life of PLHIVs. The success lies essentially on the political will and commitment
of leaders in integrating and strengthening health and community systems and in
allocating funds to improve the overall response at the national, regional, and local
levels. Improved leadership among CSOs is also crucial in the delivery of the 6th
AMTP.
3.1. Vision
The Philippines is free of new HIV infections, stigma, and AIDS-related deaths.
3.2. The 6th AMTP Strategic Directions
Figure 10: Strategic Directions
The strategic directions are critical in guiding the national, regional, and local
response for the next six years. If leadership accountabilities are improved and
leaders are committed to increase funding and strengthen the systems, then the
Philippines will achieve its targets to reduce new HIV infections and improve the
health outcomes of PLHIVs and their families.
3.3. Targets
1. Increase knowledge on STI and HIV transmission, prevention, and

services among 15 to 24 years old to 90 percent
2. Prevent new infections among 15 to 24 years old with special focus on
key populations
3. Test 90 percent of estimated people living with HIV and treat 90 percent
of those who need treatment
4. Eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission
Figure 11: 6th AMTP targets and key strategies
3.4. Recommended intervention options
Each line in Figure 12 illustrates the AIDS Epidemic Model’s projected scenarios
for new HIV infections based on the recommended intervention options.
The red line is called the baseline scenario which shows the projected annual
new HIV infections if the country will not scale-up its AIDS response and
continues to take on the “business-as-usual” path.
However, if the country will take on “business unusual” strat egies and increase
its investments, the annual new HIV infections will significantly drop and will
reverse the epidemic.
Understanding recommended intervention options shown by the different

colors of lines in Figure 12:
Blue: Current prevention coverage, and test and treat

This intervention option means if the country maintains its current prevention
strategies and scale-up HIV testing and treatment strategies, the annual new HIV
infections will significantly drop and a huge number of lives will be saved.
However, beginning in 2022, the estimated new HIV infections will continue to
slowly increase.
Orange: Increase prevention coverage to 60%, and test and treat

This scenario suggests that if the country will scale-up its prevention strategies at
60 percent and scale-up HIV testing and treatment strategies at 90 percent, the
estimated new HIV infections would immediately and significantly drop at a
bigger scale.
Green: Increase prevention coverage at 90%, and test and treat

This scenario suggests that if the country will scale-up its prevention strategies at
90 percent and scale-up test and treat strategies at 90 percent, the estimated
new HIV infections would immediately and significantly drop at an even earlier
stage and at a bigger and sustained scale.
Figure 12: New HIV infections based on Intervention Options

3.5. The6th AIDS MediumTerm Plan Framework 2017-2022
The 6th AIDS Medium Term Plan is the Philippines’s policy framework that
outlines the country’s AIDS response from 2017 to 2022. It defines the strategic
directions, program intervention areas, and recommended actions. Strategic
directions are broad concepts where the plan will take its cue. Each strategic
direction will guide the program intervention areas and each intervention area will
be substantiated with recommended actions. Recommended actions will be the
take-off point during the operational planning.
3.6. Defining Strategic Directions
Strategic directions Description
Strategic direction 1: Outlines the actions needed to reduce the number of

Reduce new HIV new HIV infections. Prevention coverage will be
infections expanded to include the children and youth with
special focus on YKP, while prevention activity for
key populations will be scaled up with the
introduction of new approaches, such as the
expansion of commodities distribution points. The
inclusion of youth was brought about by the
increasing number of youth aged 15 to 24 years old
who were tested positive, as well as the reported
risky sexual behaviors of minors aged 15 and below.
The rationale is by engaging the sector at their
formative years, they will have the necessary HIV life
skills needed to avoid risky behaviors.
New testing strategies will also be implemented to
cover more key populations and to reduce the turn
around time for the release of confirmatory results.
Strategic direction 2: This will ensure that PLHIVs receive the medical and
Improve health social support they need to live their lives to the
outcomes and fullest. The provision of support extends to their
wellness of people affected families and significant others as well.
living with HIV
Strategic direction 3: This aims to strengthen the systems needed to

Strengthen systems deliver the 6th AMTP. These include policy
for health, non-health, enhancement and development, increasing the
and community proportion of human resources and their capacity,
systems, including increase and improve infrastructures, and enhance
strategic information knowledge and information management. Central to
systems strengthening is the functional service
delivery network to optimize the synergies through
strategic clustering.
Strategic direction 4: The direction emphasizes the critical role of leaders

Improve leadership in the over all national response. Without discounting
accountabilities for the roles of other players in the response, having
the delivery of the 6th capable and committed leaders will send the
AMTP message that the country intends to walk the talk
when it comes to ending AIDS. Leadership in civil
society organizations is equally important to
strengthen national and local response. It also
highlights the importance of forging and expanding
partnership with other stakeholders.
Strategic direction 5: This focuses on internal resource generation and

Increase domestic increasing the commitment of agencies to allocate
funding for a funds for the country's HIV response.
sustainable HIV
response
3.7. Identifying Intervention Areas of Each Strategic Direction
Strategic
Intervention areas
Directions
SD1: Reduce 1. Enhance and/or develop prevention policies at the
new HIV national and local level across sectors
infections 2. Prioritize populations and locations by using existing
and emerging technologies for HIV prevention
3. Increase coverage of HIV prevention interventions
4. Improve testing strategies
5. Integrating HIV education in school curriculum
andcommunity and workplace interventions.
SD2: Improve 1. Enhance and/or develop appropriate treatment policies
health outcomes at the national and local level across sectors (e.g., test
and wellness of and treat, case management, ART guidelines)
people living with 2. Enhance service delivery networks within and across
HIV sectors (e.g., prevention, diagnosis to treatment, health
to social welfare, LGU to LGU, economic to health)
3. Scale-up quality treatment services for PLHIV
4. Scale-up mental health, spiritual, nutritional, medical,
home-, facility-, and alternative-based care
interventions to PLHIVs
5. Scale-up economic interventions among PLHIVs
SD3: Strengthen 1. Improve health, non-health, and community systems

systems including 2. Increase engagement of community and non-health
strategic sectors in policy and program development and
information implementation
system and 3. Enhance knowledge management process (such as
referrals research to policies and actions), where data
generation, dissemination process, utilization, and
access are informing and synergizing the AIDS
response
4. Increase the number of human resources and
capacitate them on appropriate AIDS information and
skills to efficiently deliver HIV services
SD4: Improve 1. Enhance the technical capacity of PNAC, its
leadership Secretariat, and local government units to responsibly
accountabilities and conscientiously collaborate, deliver, monitor, and
for the delivery of evaluate the implementation of the 6th AMTP
the 6th AMTP 2. Strengthen and optimize existing partnerships and
establish new partnerships as well
3. Increase expenditures in implementing the 6th AMTP
SD5: Increase 1. Prepare the country’s transition to self-sustainable
domestic AIDS response and develop sustainable financing
financing for a mechanisms taking into consideration the devolved
sustainable AIDS settings
response 2. Increase diversified existing domestic financing –
national (e.g.,sin tax), local fund allocation, private
donors (e.g., trust funds, PAGCOR, PCSO)
3. Appropriating and allocating funds by other agencies
3.8. Recommended Actions for Each Intervention Area
The following intervention areas and recommended actions, including policy

recommendations, were identified towards achieving Strategic Direction 1.
Strategic Direction 1: Reduce new HIV infections

Intervention area 1:
Enhance and/or develop prevention policies at the national and local level
across sectors
Recommended actions: Agencies
involved
Policy interventions
Pass the RA 8504 amendments containing, but not PNAC, NYC,
limited to, the following key provisions: CWC
 Provide access to testing and other services among
minors with special focus on young key affected
populations
 Composition and structure of PNAC
 Condom and lubricant promotion and lubricants
distribution strategies
Develop a policy creating strategic clusters with clearly PNAC
defined roles and accountabilities for intra- and inter-
agency collaboration to synergize HIV intervention across
clusters
Develop a seamless evidence-based, age-appropriate, DepEd,CHED,
comprehensive, and life-skill approach to HIV education TESDA, CSOs
curriculum for children and youth
Develop policy on combination prevention with emphasis DOH
on proper messaging
Enhance policy on the use of post exposure prophylaxis DOH
to cover rape survivors, CBS motivators, and other
potential exposures
Conduct an exhaustive review of existing AIDS and PNAC, CHR, NYC,
related policies, issuances, guidelines, and other CWC, NAPC, CSO
documents to identify policy gaps and synergies
Implement the policy on the rapid HIV diagnostic DOH
algorithm (rHIVda) to decentralize confirmatory testing
Implement the policy on community-based screening PNAC, CSO, LGU
(CBS) to expand testing coverage
Develop a comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment PNAC
program in/during disaster, in emergency setting, and in
conflict areas
Develop policy to regulate selling of self-testing kits PNAC
Assess peer education implementation and develop an PNAC
evidence-based peer education policy and program
defining scope, capacity needs, roles, and responsibilities
and taking into consideration the evolving roles of KPs as
counselors, advocates, and treatment buddies
Support amendments to RA 9165 to make needle-syringe PNAC

program an exception to Sec.10, 12, and other related
provisions
Develop evidence-based policy on pre-expsoure DOH
prophylaxis (PrEP), based on wide and meaningful
consultation with different stakeholders including key
populations
Develop a comprehensive condoms and water-based PNAC, NYC,
lubricants policy to ensure procurement and distribution of Business Sector,
the said commodities in various strategic access points CSOs
Develop an evidence-based comprehensive package for PNAC, PMA,

transgender women with intensified information and Medical societies,
services campaign on HIV prevention, sexual, and mental CSOs
health
Develop a policy mandating accredited laboratory to issue DOH, DFA, CSO

a stage 1 certification to qualified PLHIV seafarers
Develop a policy requiring all DOH-hospitals to have DOH
Sysmex machine as third test for rHIVda
Develop a policy for proxy consent for testing DOH, DSWD,
CSOs
Develop a module for parent engagement in HIV DOH, DepEd,
prevention NYC, CWC,
DSWD, FBOs,
CEAP

Prioritize populations and locations by using existing and emerging
technologies for HIV prevention
Recommended actions Agencies involved
Conduct systematic hotspot mapping and SHCs, LMP, LCP, CSOs
organizing of KPs for a shared understanding
of the HIV epidemic and participatory AIDS
response
Assess and develop comprehensive package PNAC, DDB, PDEA, CSOs
of interventions for KP, including children and
youth
Develop and implement peer education DOLE, Business Sector,
program in priority industries EB, CSOs
Assess existing messaging strategies and PNAC, CSOs
develop targeted IEC materials in sex venues
and social media using the strategic
communication framework
Increase and strengthen partnership with CWC, NYC , PNAC
children and youth organizations (in- and out-
school youth), government agencies for
institutionalized HIV prevention programs
Increase HIV testing among YKPs in high SHCs, CSOs, NYC
burden areas through increased partnership
and collaboration with CSOs and youth
organizations
Develop referral mechanisms for counseling, PNAC
treatment, mental health, and prevention
services for sustained HIV negative status

Increase coverage of HIV prevention interventions
Implement comprehensive program life-skills PNAC, CWC, NYC
approach HIV education for in- and out-of-
school children and youth and establish teen
centers to compliment formal discussions
Tap and train students as peer educators
Train school counselors on HCT
Conduct HIV 101 training of trainers for
teachers
Develop an HIV national campaign integrating DOLE, DDAPT, Business
HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and anti-drug use Sector, CSOs, TUCP, DILG-
awareness at the workplace, including LGUs, PNAC
voluntary and confidential HIV testing with
clear referral information and mechanism
Strengthen implementation of HIV and AIDS DOLE, CSC, RAATs, DFA,
policies in workplaces accompanied with AFP, PNP
quality assurance and monitoring and
evaluation plan
Develop IEC on sexual health (STI, PNAC
pregnancy, Viral Hepatitis)
Continue the operations research on harm PNAC
reduction among PWIDs, highlighting that it
can be an entry point for demand reduction
Integrate HIV education and testing in closed RAATs
settings
Partner with PNP for VCT among drug
surrenderees
Integrate HIV 101 in existing modules and
learning sessions, such as the following:
 Family Learning Sessions
 ERPAT
 Mother's Classes
Tap and train midwives and barangay health LGUs
workers to provide basic HIV information
Regularly conduct Buntis Congress LGUs
Identify points of entry for parent engagement PNAC, FBOs, CEAP
in HIV prevention, e.g., Parents-Teachers
Association, Family Life Ministries of Faith-
Based Organizations

Improve testing strategies
Expand the implementation of CBS PNAC
Rollout Rapid HIV Diagnostics Algorithm (rHIVda) in DOH
testing centers
Implementation and expansion of routine opt-out HIV DOH, DILG (BJMP,
testing and treatment among new enrollees in closed PDEA)
settings,28 ante-natal clinics, and in rehabilitation
centers
Integrate HIV education in crisis centers nationwide RAATs
Establish sundown clinics in all burden areas RAATs
Ensure access of minors to testing and other services RAATs
Encourage repeat testing every six weeks SHCs and other
testing centers

Leveraging on different sectors and maximizing partnerships
Expand partnership with other sectoral groups for PNAC
HIV and AIDS mainstreaming (e.g; engagement of
RH-focused CSO)
Strengthen strategic clustering through periodic PNAC
review of its tasks and achievements
28
“Prisons and other closed settings” refers to all places of detention within a country, and the terms “prisoners”
and “detainees” to all those detained in those places, including adults and juveniles, during the investigation of a
crime, while awaiting trial, after conviction, before sentencing, and after sentencing. [CITATION]
Strategic Direction 2: Improve health outcomes and wellness of people

living with HIV
Enhance and/or develop treatment policies at the national and local level
across sectors
Adopt the test and treat allpolicy PNAC
Develop a policy on access of minors to treatment PNAC
Develop a policy on community-led case CSOs, DILG, DOH,
management in partnership with LGUs DSWD
Develop, enhance, and implement policies and DOH
guidelines that are relevant to treatment and care
of PLHIVs such as but not limited to:
 ART guidelines based on WHO’s
recommendations and considering MDR PLHIV
 Inclusion of ARV in the National Drug
Formulary
 Guidelines for the management of opportunistic
infections
 Nutritional guidelines for PLHIVs on ART
Develop policies and guidelines for HCT on TGW- DOH, TGW community,
specific health care and information needs PLHIV community
Develop a standardized assurance for CD4 and SACCL
viral load testings
Harmonize policies regarding burial of persons PNAC
with HIV
Develop a guideline on access to treatment of DOH, BJMP, DOJ
PLHIVs confined in closed settings, rehabilitation
centers
Develop a policy that would encourage breast milk PNAC
donations for babies of PLHIV women

living with HIV
Enhance service delivery and referral network
Strengthen health and non-health service delivery PNAC
network for treatment, care, and support
Establish one-stop-shop for PLHIV, leading to access Strategic clusters
to SDN
Increase and expand the services of satellite treatment DOH, LGUs, DILG,
hubs, including social hygiene clinics and CSO-run CSOs
clinics
Adopt new technologies to scale up treatment and care PNAC
interventions to ensure timely linkage to care for newly
diagnosed with HIV, reduce leakage and lost-to-follow-
up, and sustain adherence to treatment
Develop a follow up mechanism to monitor PLHIVs PNAC, CSOs
who are not yet eligible for ART
Establish partnerships with funeral parlors PNAC, CSOs

living with HIV
Intervention area 3: Continuous quality treatment services for PLHIV
Provision of enablers fund to PLHIV for support to DSWD, LGUs
laboratory needs, drugs and home visits
Implement community-led case management policy to DOH, LGU, DSWD,
ensure continuous community care through home CSOs
visits
Provision of routine mental health evaluation and DOH, CSOs
services for PLHIV
Promote, expand, and maximize Outpatient HIV/AIDS RAATs (why raats?)
Treatment (OHAT) Package
Ensure the integration of children and youth-friendly DOH, CSOs
services in HIV health care setting
Strengthen implementation of TB-HIV collaboration DOH, CSOs
program (referral, access to treatment)
Develop Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C treatment plan for
PWID
Develop an accessible patient-centered approach to DOH and Treatment
dispensing of ARVs Hubs

living with HIV
Intervention area 4: Scale-up mental health, spiritual, nutritional,
economic, medical, home-, facility-, and alternative-based care
interventions to PLHIVs
Engage/involve affected families of PLHIVs in DSWD
treatment, care, and support
Develop a comprehensive mental health package for DOH, CSO, DSWD
PLHIVs, affected families, and carers
Address the spiritual needs and wellbeing of PLHIVs CSOs
Increase partnership with other stakeholders for the LGUs, CSOs, FBOs
establishment and management of temporary shelter
(i.e halfway homes) for PLHIV and affected families
Conduct HIV education among parents of young
PLHIVs

living with HIV
Intervention area 5: Scale-up economic interventions among PLHIVs
Develop economic intervention programs DSWD
Scale-up impact mitigation program for affected DSWD
families
Organize local support groups in all high burden areas

living with HIV
Intervention area 6: Enhancing positive prevention measures for PLHIV
Develop target-specific IECmateials using the strategic DOH, CSOs, LGUs
communication framework on positive prevention
Strategic Direction 3:
Strengthen systems including knowledge management and information
system and referrals
Intervention area 1. Improve health, non-health, and community systems
for a multisectoral approach to AIDS response
Establish strategic clustering with clear mandates, roles PNAC
and functions
Assess and identify capacity building needs of LGUsin PNACs, LACs
synergizing AIDS response (policy development, health
service delivery, service delivery network, CSO
engagement, knowledge management)
Increase the number of HIV service providers and PNAC
develop a capacity building plan to strengthen the
delivery of MSM, TG, and IDU-friendly quality service,
including youth-friendly services
Development of HTC quality monitoring guideline DOH
Institutionalize SIO functions LGUs
Improve logistics by identifying and addressing PNAC
bottlenecks in the delivery of medicines and
commodities from the national to the local level
Ensure the functionality ofRAATs and LACs in all DOH, DILG, DSWD,
areas LACs
Increase and strengthen CSO PNAC, CSOs
participation,accompanied by accountability
mechanism
Establish Barangay AIDS Council LGUs
Regular conduct of immersion lessons among SHCs LGUs
and treatment hubs personnel
Strengthen HACT PHA
Develop a mechanism where service providers at the PNAC
local level can send feedback at the national level
Strengthen systems including knowledge management and information
system and referrals
Increase engagement of community and non-health sectors in policy and
program development and implementation
Increase the capacity of PNAC members, KP, and PNAC
other stakeholders in utilizing strategic information for
action planning, research, and policy development
Engage the community in monitoring and dispensing PNAC, CSOs
ARVs through case management with automated
system to ensure compliance and adherence to
treatment protocols.
Strengthen systems including
knowledge management and information system and referrals
Intervention area 3.
Enhance knowledge and information management
Develop a national research agenda in collaboration PNAC
with research institutions, universities, and colleges
Engage CSOs and the community in the conduct of PNAC
research, from design to data analysis, and data
utilization
Increase funding for research PNAC
Develop a plan to strengthen data dissemination PNAC
activities tailored to target audience for increased
utilization of strategic information for program
development
Establish a centralized knowledge management center PNAC
for community-based researches
Strengthen records management of treatment hubs DOH, Treatment
and other facilities to promptly identify patients lost to hubs
follow-up
Replicate documented and validated good HIV LACs
prevention practices in high burden areas
Leadership and accountabilities
Intervention area 1: Strengthen PNAC and its secretariat in terms of
structure and capacity to deliver 6thAMTP
PNAC members to enforce its mandate for efficient PNAC
and effective national AIDS response as stipulated by
RA8504
PNAC members to take the lead in strategic cluster PNAC
response and strengthening
Establish the capacity of PNAC to manage a one-stop- PNAC

shop leading to strengthening the multi-sectoral SDN
Re-structure the Monitoring and Evaluation function of PNAC
PNAC and sectoral clusters
Intervention area 2. Improve partnership
Ensure development partners and donor community PNAC, CSOs,
will harmonize their funding efforts with 6th AMTP development
partners, donor
communities
Expand and strengthen engagement with non-HIV PNAC
specific agencies and partners, e.g., academe, children
and youth sector, labor sector, business sector
Facilitate innovative technology transfer through
knowledge sharing between and among LGUs, CSOs,
and other stakeholders
Increase the engagement of local experts and
community in project development, implementation,
and monitoring and evaluation
Intervention area 3. Increased expenditures in implementing operational
plans of the 6th AMTP
Conduct an executive course on the localization of the LGUs
6th AMTP for local officials
Conduct planning and budgeting workshops to localize
the 6th AMTP
Mobilize resources to fund the convergence areas
Increase domestic financing for a sustainable AIDS response
Intervention Area 1: Prepare the country’s transition to self-sustainable
AIDS response
Establish a technical working group composed of PNAC, NEDA
financial planners and economists to lead the country’s
transition towards a self-sutainable AIDS response
Assess the country’s readiness in the transitioning NEDA
process from external funding dependency to internal
funding sustainability
Conduct cost-benefit analysis of public and private NEDA, DILG, LPP,
AIDS investments as an advocacy tool to encourage LMP, LCP
stakeholders to invest in the AIDS response Business sectors
Intervention Area 2: Identify and develop sustainable financing
mechanisms
th
Integrate and align mandated/applicable 6 AMTP PNAC
actions in agencies’ work and financial plans, ie, GAD Source: DBM-NEDA-
funds, training funds, among others PCW Joint Circular
2004-1
Develop cost-saving models for HIV prevention, Government
treatment, care, and support programs agencies, CSOs,
development
partners, business
sector
Intervention Area 3: Increase diversified existing domestic financing
Encourage LGUs to finance their HIV programs using Philhealth, PNAC,
Philhealth's OHAT package DILG
Explore investment options such as trust funds, sin tax, PNAC
PAGCOR, PCSO
4. The 6th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2017-2022 Implementation and

Coordination Arrangements
The Philippines is geographically, culturally, politically, and structurally

challenged in implementing the AIDS plan. There are areas in the Philippines that
are still not reached by communication, transportation, and basic health and
social services. Ensuring the delivery of the 6th AMTPrequires a very strong
political will, vision, and commitment from mindful and sensible leaders who
canpositively influence their local counterparts, can make quick and appropriate
decisions, take on accountabilities, and work closely with other stakeholders.
Intervention sites also have various levels of capacities, facilities, and resources
to deliver the 6th AMTP. It is in this light that the 6th AMTP is envisioned to be
implemented through strategic clustering (SC).
4.1. Strategic Clustering Framework
The idea for SC emanated from the needs expressed by consultations participants
to scale-up collaboration strategies with other stakeholders. After an extensive
review of various implementation strategies at the global and national level, the 6th
AMTP resonates with the Clusters Approach29 initiated by the Inter-Agency
Standing Committee (IASC) as a disaster response strategy. IASC specified that
29(n.d.). What is the Cluster Approach? Retrieved from https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en. October

2016.
a “cluster” actsas a sub-coordinating body to identify and address gaps, identify

where synergy and convergence can happen, and monitor and evaluate the
progress of the response. The cluster, as a new approach, will be periodically
monitored, evaluated, and modified to ensure that it is responsive to specific local
needs.
The SC will not operate in silo, but will instead build on the existing inter-agency
collaborative clusters and/or councils. The Local AIDS Councils (LACs) will mirror
the clusters at the local level; the 6thAMTP willguide themin strengthening their
sectoral agenda and service delivery network for HIV and AIDS. To ensure the
delivery of the plan, PNAC will facilitate the development of operational plans of
each cluster, mirrored at the regional and local levels.
Key agencies were identified in each cluster based on their mandates. Depending
on the local context, relevant agencies and organizations in each cluster may be
changed or addedwith representatives who can fervently contribute in achieving
the 6th AMTP targets. These clusters and their proposed compositions are the
following:
Strategic Clusters
Education Health Social Finance
Protection
DSWD DOH Philhealth Philhealth
NYC DSWD DSWD DSWD
CWC PLHIV DILG and NEDA
Organizations Leagues
DOH DILG and DOJ DILG and
Leagues Leagues
DepEd CSOs CHR DBM
CHED Medical and CSOs CSOs
Allied Health
Societies
TESDA PLHIV PLHIV
Organizations Organizations
DILG
CSOs
DOLE
CSC
DFA
PIA
PLHIV
Organizations
Each cluster members will select their own lead agencies, define their terms of
reference and accountabilities, coordinate with their regional and local
counterparts, and ensure localization of these clusters. Cluster members will
developintegrated and synergized operational and workplans,monitor each other’s
progress, functionality, and expenditures.
PNAC will maintain its mandate as the central coordinating and policy-making body
at the national level and will closely collaborate with regional and local clusters
through its monitoring and evaluation arm. Coordinating each cluster will be a
PNAC-mandated technical expert who is adept on addressing related issues to her
or his assigned cluster.
4.2. Developing Operational Plans
The development of operational plan will be done on the first quarter of 2017, by
cluster, to be coordinated by the PNAC Secretariat from the national to the local
level. Operational plans will be periodically reviewed and revised to ensure timely
and appropriate response.
4.3. Monitoring and Evaluation of Plan Implementation
PNAC will periodically monitor the implementation of the 6th AMTP and reporting
of progress will be reported to the council through its quarterly meeting. A
monitoring plan will be developed parallel to the development of the operational
plansto ensure the synergy of actions towards achieving the country’s targets.
Figures 13: Strategic Clustering Framework

5. Estimated Resource Needs of the 6th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2017-
202230
Domestic spending by the central government, local governments, and the private
sector is growing, but not fast enough to meet the need.31 Meanwhile the resource
gap is widening fast.32
As of 2016, the Philippines spent a total of 1.6 billion pesos for treatment, care,
and support. If prevention and treatment strategies will not scale-up for the next six
years, the burden in health care will continuously increase and it will cost the
country an estimated 4.7 billion annually by 2022 and 15.2 billion by 2030.33 The
country has still the opportunity to reverse the epidemic if investments will scale-
up and focus in HIV prevention.
Based on the 2016 National AIDS Spending Assessment, it was estimated that 49
percent of the total expenditures from 2011 to 2013 was shouldered by the health
sector, inclusive of testing procedures, laboratories, ART, and medicines for
opportunistic infections. Taking into account the dwindling foreign aid support, the
country expenditure is increasing; however, it is still largely dependent on external
sources.
Figure 14: Cost of health care among PLHIV34
30
Modelling the epidemic to determine unit costs and resource needs will be finalized in the first quarter of
2017.
31
______. (2015). Investment Option for Ending AIDS in the Philippines by 2022: Modelling Different HIV
Investment Scenarios in the Philippines from 2015 to 2030 – 5 Scenarios. A paper commissioned by UNAIDS
Philippines.
32
Ibid.
33
The annual Philhealth outpatient HIV and AIDS treatment (OHAT) package is PhP30,000.
34
AEM, 2016.
The 6th AMTP will explore investment options to ensure that domestic financing will
continuously increase by utilizing diversified funds to support the country’s AIDS
response.
During the implementation of the 6th AMTP, experts on financing will be

commissioned to explore and identifylocal funding sources and mechanisms to
address resource needsfor both health and non-health strategies.
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Republic of the Philippines

6th AIDS Medium Term Plan

2. The Philippine HIV and AIDS Situation

3. The 6th Philippine HIV & AIDS Strategic Plan 2017-2022

5. Estimated Resource Needs of the 6thAIDS Medium Term Plan 2017-2022

Members of the Philippine National AIDS Council

ACHIEVE Action for Health Initiatives, Inc.

Atty. Alberto T. Muyot

Dr. Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco

Ms. Normina E. Mojica

Mr. Cariza Seguerra

Mr. Percival Cendaña

Technical Working Group

Action for Health Initiatives (ACHIEVE)

Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

Dr. Genesis May Samonte, EB

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP)

League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP)

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)

Philippine NGO Council on Population Health and Welfare (PNGOC)

Pinoy Plus Advocacy Pilipinas, Inc., (PPAPI)

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

Civil Society Organizations

Ms. Alma Mondragon Alagad Mindanao

Mr. Marlou B. Flores Vida-Vivo Zamboanga

Ms. Concepcion Pagara Northern Mindanao Medical Center

Mr. Zotico A. Villanueva Jr. DILG-NCR

Mr. Romer Guarra Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital

PNAC Technical Represenatives

Experts Panel Review

Ms. Teresita Marie Bagasao, UNAIDS

Abbreviations and Acronyms

UNFPA United Nations Population Fund

6th AIDS Medium Term Plan 2017-2022

The success of the 6thAMTP is heavily anchored on responsible leadership marked

1.1. Developing a New National AIDS Strategic Plan

 External Mid-Term Review of the 5thAMTP

 Establishment of the 6th AMTP TWG

 Engagement of the PLHIV community

 National consultation with civil society organizations (CSOs)

 Regional and local consultations

 National Children and Youth Consultation

 Synergizing the 6thAMTP with various strategic plans

 Philippine AIDS Epidemic Model (AEM)

 Experts panel review

1.3. The 6th AMTP guiding principles

 Rights- and responsibility-based

The 6th AMTP is anchored as well on international policy frameworks, specifically

Goal 1 No poverty End poverty in all its forms everywhere

Goal Sustainable cities Make cities and human settlements inclusive,

2. The Philippine HIV and AIDS Situation

Strategic information presented in this section is a result of in-depth analyses of

2.1. Overview of the Philippine HIV Epidemic

Figure 1: Number of newly diagnosed with HIV per day, 2008-2016

2.2. Key and vulnerable populations