Ortega, Nenita L. RMT MA; Sescon , Jose NMC MD DPOGS
Remedios AIDS Foundation, Inc. Philippines

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)
THROUGH THE INTERNET AS AN INNOVATIVE
HIV/STD/REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
AND RIGHTS COUNSELING STRATEGY:
THE REMEDIOS HOTLINE EXPERIENCE

ISSUE:

The internet is the most accessible innovative tool of communication for the new millennium. Program intervention of REMEDIOS AIDS FOUNDATION has expanded to include these strategies to further reach vulnerable risk groups through counseling services addressed at the message internet relay chat (mIRC) channel.

METHODOLOGY:

Remedios through its hotline and counseling program has expanded its counseling services through the utilization of the mIRC chatroom. An interactive display of discussion groups which were frequently visited by people from all walks of life. Remedios has centered its project targets to youth and men who have men with men (MSM) through the provision of counseling services on sexual and reproductive health issues. Counseling sessions were held through a single main channel room or through direct chat courses (DCC) to gain clientele's confidence. Sessions were held at all times with strict anonymity and confidentiality.

RESULT:

Clienteles have openly addressed their sexual and reproductive health concerns to counselors of the mIRC chatline. Specific referral services were rendered such as hotline counseling, face to face counseling, HIV antibody testing, STD case management, support services were further given to clienteles in need. Follow ups were ensured considering that Remedios has its own specific service deliveries.