Nenita L. Ortega, RMT, MA; Jose Narciso Melchor C. Sescon, MD , DPOGS
Remedios AIDS Foundation, Inc. Manila Philippines
Mr. Satish Mehra; Ms. Florence Tayzon
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines

EXPANDING THE REMEDIOS COUNSELING SERVICES
THROUGH INNOVATIVE INFORMATION COMMUNICATION CHANNELS TARGETING THE YOUNG ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS

OBJECTIVE:

To sustain and provide innovative communication counseling channels that handles reproductive health issues and concerns aimed towards the vulnerable sectors (young adults and adolescents and the workforce) - Philippines.

BACKGROUND:

The Remedios AIDS Foundation, Inc. piloted an innovative approach to counseling through the provision of an accurate, credible, anonymous and confidential telephone hotline counseling, information dissemination, as well as health education and promotion.

The telephone hotlines had been operating for the past seven (7) years initially providing HIV/AIDS information and counseling. A year after, STD component was strongly integrated because of its link as co-factor to HIV infection. Data gathered from the hotline callers report showed that there was a need to expand the counseling and information services and expertise. Thus, in 1995, it was deemed relevant and important to really expand and include reproductive concerns and issues into the existing counseling and information services.

Hotline trends through the years showed a remarkable shift of callers concerns from HIV/AIDS to STD to reproductive health issues as well. Review of the lessons and experiences learned from the previous records and the current trend by which callers acquire information has led the Remedios AIDS Foundation to sustain the telephone counseling and information delivery program through innovative communication technology and tools (i.e. internet) as new medium to popularize the hotline service. Thus, the Internet Relay Chat (IRC Channels) Room was established to address reproductive issues in an innovative, accessible, discreet and confidential manner of reaching targeted clients.

OUTCOME:

Utilization of innovative information technology in targeting clients and conveying counseling and information services is at its prime stage for the Remedios AIDS Foundation Philippines. Success rate is visible as clienteles actively participates in the chat room sessions and discussions.

More innovations in the strategies and approaches for the expanded counseling program of the Remedios AIDS Foundation are yet to unfold as it continues to deliver the reproductive health services to its targeted clienteles and communities.