Service Program Components

Component II: Prophylaxis

A. CONDOM-VENDING MACHINE

“Access to and availability of condoms should be of prime consideration if prevention education sees protection as the key.”




Young males who get treated for sexually transmitted infections at the Provincial Social Hygiene Clinic said that though they know that using condoms can prevent STI, they admitted that they do not use condom for the following reasons: they are ashamed to be seen buying it, the Midwives tease them when they ask for condoms at the Health Center, and some do not know where to buy condoms.












Innovative Approaches

The program answer is to install Condom Vending Machines in discreet locations (rest rooms) in two of the most popular bars in Boracay. The location allows for easy access especially for sex workers, since the bars are popular pick-up stations in the island.

To ensure that the vending machines are kept in running order by the establishment owners, a 60-40 scheme on the sales of the condoms was established, with 60% of the sales for the rural health center and 40% for the establishments. Monitoring is done on a weekly basis by the assigned Rural Sanitary Inspector assigned by the Rural Health Center to this project.

A partnership with DKT-Philippines, an NGO advancing reproductive health projects in the country, has enabled Aklan to put up popshop projects, condom access stations, in communities and health centers in the province.


B. HIV ANTI-BODY TESTING

Reagents for HIV Testing are available at four health facilities in the province-Dr. Rafael S. TumbOkon Memorial Hospital, Social Hygiene Clinic, Malay Rural Health Unit, and Boracay Satellite Social Hygiene Clinic. The Social Hygiene Services include the following: weekly smearing, provision of medicines, referrals, laboratory examination such as HIV test, RPR test, gram staining and culture sensitivity test, Pap smear, promotion and selling of condoms and other family planning products. The HIV Testing Package includes not just anti-body test but also pre- and post-test counseling. Advanced counseling and trainings for medical technologists and health personnel directly involved in this project were conducted by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. The antibody test is available at the Social Hygiene Clinic, Malay Rural Health Unit, and Boracay Satellite Social Hygiene Clinic at Php 300.00 per test.


Innovative Approaches

The initial supply of reagents for HIV testing was funded by UNFPA with the agreement that the health facilities will make their own subsequent purchases from the amount they charge for the HIV-testing. Through this revolving fund scheme, Aklan has the supply of reagents, a scheme that enabled the program to gain sustainability.

A move was also made to bring the services closer to the clients. In the first quarter of 2006, the Satellite Social Hygiene Clinic was established in Boracay.