Nenita L. Ortega RMT MA, Remedios AIDS Foundation Inc.
Manila, Philippines

THE INTERNET AS AN INNOVATIVE
HIV/STD/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS COUNSELING
STRATEGY FOR ADOLESCENT:
THE REMEDIOS FOUNDATION EXPERIENCE

ISSUE:

Young people have specific HIV/STD and reproductive health concerns which needs to be addressed in a method and manner acceptable to young adults and adolescents. Often than not, needs of young people are only recognized when it is too late, when they become pregnant, need abortion, infected with an STD or have been practicing risky behaviors putting them at risk of HIV and STDs.

PROJECT:

The Remedios AIDS Foundation has expanded its counseling services targeting young adults and adolescents through the use of an innovative approach which is the computer- based internet relay chat (mIRC). Counseling services are held through a single main channel room through direct chat courses (DCC). Sessions are treated with strict anonymity an confidentiality assured. Young people are more adept to innovative approaches of reaching them like chat which is part of information communication technology (ICT) Chatting clients who need clinical services are referred to a youth friendly center called "Youth Zone" (YZ). This is a peer-based project.

RESULTS:

As internet is the most accessible innovative tool of communication among the young in this new age of technology, the project has further its reach, the vulnerable groups of our community. Needs and concerns of the young are discussed and education strengthened, thus leading them to a modification of behaviors putting them at risk of STD and HIV infection and avoiding early pregnancies and abortion.

LESSONS LEARNED:

Young people are more comfortable talking with a peer. They openly discuss their sexual and reproductive concerns to a peer counselor over the channel room. Early intervention making use innovative approaches such as the internet, can prevent health complications related to HIV, STDs, abortion and teenage pregnancy.