FOUR medical facilities in Central Luzon recently received recognition for their accomplishments in the provision of care and treatment services to people living with human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.
During the culmination of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM), the AIDS Society of the Philippines and Epidemic Control (EpiC) Philippines recognized the four HIV treatment facilities in Central Luzon through QUILTS (Quality Uptake and Improvements in Lifesaving Treatment Services) Awards.
The awardees include Bulacan Medical Center Luntian Silong as Linkage to Care Champion and Differentiated Service Delivery and Case Management Champion; Meycauayan City Primary HIV Care Clinic for Adherence Award; and Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital as Top Rapid HIV Diagnostic Algorithm Facility.
Special acknowledgements were also given to the Department of Health Region III for its efforts in working towards the HIV targets.
The Regional TB-HIV Support Network (RTHSN) – Lakan Community Center in Mabalacat City was likewise cited for their valuable role in active case finding and transgender services.
The said facility contributed to the achievement of the 95-95-95 targets – 95 percent of people living with HIV know their status, 95 percent of people aware of their status receive treatment, and 95 percent of people on HIV treatment have a suppressed viral load.
The QUILTS awards is a partnership between the Department of Health and the United States government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), together with the AIDS Society of the Philippines.
Judges selected the winners by reviewing the quality of the facilities’ services and their best practices for achieving positive outcomes.
USAID Philippines Acting Deputy Mission Director Brandon Miller reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to help end the HIV epidemic in the Philippines.
“It is our hope that as we take stock of our accomplishments tonight, we are reinvigorated with the drive to do more for the key populations we are here to serve,” said Acting Deputy Mission Director Miller.
USAID, through its EpiC project, partners with more than 50 facilities in Metro Manila and surrounding areas to achieve HIV epidemic control. Through the QUILTS Awards, USAID and partners hope to encourage the sharing of best practices and innovations for quality, person-centered HIV care.