Accelerating STI and HIV prevention and care through intensified delivery of services to vulnerable groups and people living with HIV in strategic areas in the Philippines

In the Philippines, HIV prevalence is low – below 0.1 percent – and less than one percent of sex workers are infected with HIV. The primary mode of transmission is through unprotected sex, and about one-third of diagnosed infections have occurred in returning overseas workers, primarily seafarers and domestic workers. The program supported by this grant aims to contribute to the national goal of preventing the further spread of HIV and AIDS and to reducing its impact on those already infected. Specifically, it aims to improve behavior change communication and management of sexually transmitted infections among vulnerable and poor populations such as people in prostitution, men who have sex with men and migrant workers in 11 sites. Additionally, the program is scaling up voluntary counseling and testing support, care and treatment for people living with HIV in four geographic areas.